3 - Deterrence

Question 1

What is deterrence?

Answer 1

The idea that people refrain from certain actions because they fear the consequences arising from them.

It is extremely difficult to prove because to measure deterrence you have to assess events that do not actually occur.

Question 2

What are the two types of deterrence?

Answer 2

Individual deterrence

General deterrence

Question 3

Individual Deterrence…

Answer 3

Individual deterrence - is directed at the actual wrongdoer and involves the use of an individual fear calculus, where the pain of the punishment outweighs the pleasure of the offence.

Question 4

General Deterrence…

Answer 4

General deterrence – is all about social control. There is a social fear calculus, as individuals themselves are not subjected to pain but witness the pain of others.

Question 5

Criticisms of Deterrence?

Answer 5

Deterrence is irrelevant because most people who stop offending do so for other reasons unconnected to the law (moral conscience/ family reputations/grow out of crime).

Deterrence is most likely to work for those who need it the least.

What deters one person may not deter another - Most people do not rationalise and calculate costs and benefits.
Impulse, opportunity, excitement and strong emotions play important roles and these are not thought out in advance.

Deterrence gives you a reason not to get caught – it does not provide a reason not to do it