Deterrence Theory

Question 1

What is deterrence theory?

Answer 1

It argues that people are rational and pursue their own interests, attempting to maximize theory pleasure and minimize their pain

To prevent crime, have swift, certain, and severe punishments with a focus primarily on official punishments

It became popular in 1970 with Gary Becker’s work

It had an enormous impact on contemporary crime control policies, some argue our criminal justice system has largely abandoned rehabilitation as a crime control strategy

Question 2

What are the two types of deterrence?

Answer 2

Specific deterrence

General deterrence

Question 3

What is specific deterrence?

Answer 3

This refers to the idea that punishment reduces the crime of those specific people who are punished

Punishment isn’t effective cause people are still engaging in it afterwards

Question 4

What is general deterrence?

Answer 4

Preventing crime from the general population