Deterrence & Rational Choice Theory / Chapter 2 Flashcards
What does Deterrence Theory suggest?
People will be deterred from doing crime if there are sufficient punishments in place for said crime.
i.e. the cost of crime outweighs the benefit
What does Rational Choice Theory suggest?
(An extension of Deterrence Theory that assumes…) People are trying to maximize “utility” (pleasure).
i.e. if Benefit (B) is greater than Cost (C) then individuals should commit crime.
The argument for Deterrence Theory is…
Avoid crime to minimize the costs of punishment.
The argument for Rational Choice Theory is…
Avoid or commit crime to maximize “utility”.
The three factors that impact the perceived cost of crime are the _________, ________ and ________ of punishment.
Certainty, Swiftness (a.k.a. Celerity) and Severity.
What determines perceived benefits (B) of crime?
It’s value (v) times the probability (q) of success.
∴ B = qv
What is the main point of Routine Activities Theory?
The rate of criminal victimization is increased when there are one or more persons likely to commit a crime, a vulnerable target or victim is present and formal/informal guardians are absent.
Celerity of punishment refers to…
The swiftness with which criminal sanctions are applied after a crime is committed.
Certainty of punishment refers to…
The probability of apprehension and punishment for a crime.
Severity of punishment refers to…
The severeness of the sanctions enacted on the person who committed the crime.
Experimental effects refers to…
The specific type deterrence created by a person having experienced legal consequences of some kind.
