Explanation
Deterrence is a key concept in classical criminology and criminal justice policy. It rests on the assumption that individuals are rational actors who will avoid crime if the costs—namely, legal punishments—are perceived as too high. The effectiveness of deterrence is believed to depend on three core principles: certainty, severity, and celerity (swiftness) of punishment.
Deterrence is typically divided into two forms:
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General deterrence targets the broader public, aiming to prevent crime by setting an example through punishment.
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Specific deterrence focuses on individuals who have already offended, aiming to prevent them from reoffending.
The concept is central to policies such as “zero tolerance,” “three strikes,” and “broken windows” approaches, but its effectiveness remains contested in criminological research.
Theoretical Reference
Originally developed by Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century as part of classical criminology. Modern deterrence models have been expanded by theorists such as Gary Becker and incorporated into Rational Choice Theory.