Ch 15 Flashcards
deterrence theory
- based on beccarias classical theory
- ppl rationally calculate the consequences of their behaviour; the best way to control crime is to set up system of preventative punishments, which should be severe enough to deter lawbreaking, swift, certain, and proportional to the nature of the crime
how effective is the law as a deterrent?
only to some extent
- most ppl don’t want to be punished
- research shows certainty of punishment is more important than severity
- easier for govt to pass tougher sentencing laws than to increase certainty
does imprisonment deter crime?
long sentences difficult to justify on deterrence-base crime prevention
-imprisonment may increase rates of recidivism
why don’t severe penalties deter crime?
- offenders may ignore risk of getting caught
- likelihood of being arrested convicted and punished is so low that tinkering w level of punishment makes no difference
- rate of incarceration for crimes is very low; harsh sentences only affect small minority
- ppl w drug/alcohol problems likely not deterred (even high threat of death does not deter drug dealers)
- some offenders unaware of the sentence they face if convicted
- prosecutors and judges evade mandatory min sentences they find too severe (plea-bargaining to lesser charges)
hot spots policing
-focusing police resources on high-crime areas can reduce crime by increasing certainty of arrest
individualized deterrence
-directly informing individuals about the consequences of future criminality and ensuring these promises are kept can also have a deterrent effect
individualized deterrence: operation ceasefire
program developed in boston in response to high homicide rates among young black males
- indvs told violent behaviour would not be tolerated; offered services to help them out of the gang lifestyle
- measures enhanced to emphasize certainty of punishment
- dramatic decline in homicide rates while program was in effect
rational choice theory
- crime results from offenders’ deliberate choices based on calculation of risk and reward
- short-term costs and benefits more important than long-term considerations
environmental criminology
(rational choice theory)
- examines target search process of offenders that precedes involvement in a crime
- focus on env opportunities along paths travelled in criminals’ daily route, along which offenders more likely to commit offences
node: place frequented by criminal
path: route btw nodes
edge: boundary btw diff types of land use, where social control may be weaker, targets attractive
lifestyle/exposure theory
(a routine activities theory)
-some ppl put themselves in social settings w high risk of victimization (ex spending lots of evenings in public places, being a sex worker on the streets) and are more likely to be repeatedly victimized
routine activities theory
three factors must be present for a crime to occur:
-motivated offender
-suitable target
-lack of guardianship of the target
changes in any factor can lead to increase or decrease in crime
occurrence or prevention also depends on the presence of intimate handlers and crime facilitators
suitable targets
increase in number, value or accessibility can result in increase in crime
-unless small, attractive items are protected, theft rates increase as these items become more common
intimate handlers
someone who has intimate knowledge of the potential offender to control him or her
crime facilitators
physical (gus, knives, etc)
social (negative peer influences)
chemical (drugs, liquor)
ways to reduce opportunities for crime
-increasing effort required to commit a crime (target hardening, controlling access to targets or tools)
-increasing risks (increasing level of formal/informal surveillance, guardianship)
-reducing rewards (identifying property to facilitate recovery, removing targets, denying benefits of crime)
-reducing provocations (control for peer pressure, reduce frustration or conflict)
removing excuses (set clear rules and limits)
