Deterrence Doctrine, Essay Example

Deterrence doctrines mainly state that individuals in the society usually obey and respect the law because they fear being punished (Apel 67). There are various punishment practices that are usually used in order to promote deterrence doctrines in the society including the use of death penalty, as well as other harsh punishment practices (Tittle, Ekaterina, and Olena 227). According to various research based studies and reports, it is also clear that deterrence theory mainly emphasize that individuals do not avoid criminal activities, and bad social behaviors based on moral beliefs but because they fear being punished (Apel 72). In that sense, according to this theory, individuals in the society are more likely to avoid criminal activities in conditions and settings where there are strict and severe punishment practices (Apel 68).

The theory also assumes that individuals are aware of consequences of their criminal activities, can control their behaviors and also have ability to think logically before committing criminal activities. The supporters of this doctrine argue, suggest and propose the application and use of strict and harsh punishment procedures in the society in order to prevent criminal activities in the society. Therefore, the main purpose and aim of this research paper is to describe, summarize and outline the historical roots of deterrence doctrine including the perspectives and viewpoints if various scholars based in their research studies and findings. The paper will also include and discuss various assumptions about human nature based on deterrence theory arguments. This research paper will also provide and discuss some of the empirical research tests of the deterrence doctrine from various literature and research studies and findings.

Historical Roots of Deterrence Doctrine

The deterrence doctrine is one of the criminal behaviors principles that states that the provision of severe and harsh punishment practices can effectively prevent criminals and other individuals in the society from committing criminal activities (Apel 76). According to this doctrine, it is true that the fear of punishment is what forces individuals in the society to adhere to the legal policies and moral rules in the society (Tittle, Ekaterina, and Olena 236). This includes the provision of harsh punishment practices such as death penalty policies and procedures in the society.

Furthermore, the supporters of this doctrine argues that the criminal justice in the society should adopt and implement policies that encourage strict and harsh punishment practices in order to reduce, control and prevent criminal behaviors in the society (Paternoster 815).The main aim of application of deterrence policies in the criminal justice systems is to discourage criminals from involving in criminal behaviors from using the threat of punishment as well as by providing with the opportunity to understand the outcomes of their bad social behaviors and activities (Apel 72).

However, there are three elements of punishment that can increase deterrence for example, the use of strict punishment practices, the use of the same punishment practices on the same criminal acts as well as the use of longer sentences on criminals in the society (Tittle, Ekaterina, and Olena 231).

Empirical Tests Based on Deterrence Theories

There are various tests and research-based reports that have been used in the society in order to determine the effects of deterrence practices on preventing criminal behaviors in the society (Paternoster 821). According to this tests and research studies the main hypothesis included the view that there are particular punishment practices that can be used in reducing and preventing criminals from involving in future criminal activities in the society (Sitren, and Brandon 502). Understanding the consequences and fear of punishment can effectively prevent criminals from committing crimes and criminal activities in the society (Paternoster 822).

The study involves various offenders in the society, and it was clear that the severity of the punishment is not directly link and related to the reduction of criminal behaviors in the society (Sitren, and Brandon 496). In these studies, the main dependent variable was criminal behaviors while the independent variable was the type of punishment used (Paternoster 766). The behaviors of the criminals were measured based on the type of the punishment that was applied in reducing and controlling their behaviors (Sitren, and Brandon 492). From this research studies, it was clear that there are various type of punishment practices that can effectively reduce and control criminal behaviors (Paternoster 767).However, application of more severe and strict punishment conditions can promote bad behaviors and criminal activities of hardcore criminals in the society (Paternoster 765).

Summary

In summary, it was clear from a number of research-based studies and reports that the use of deterrence practices can reduce criminal activities in the society. This is mainly because the majority of individuals in the society usually fear harsh and strict punishment, and that can effectively prevent them from involving in crime and criminal activities in the society. Furthermore, the research studies findings indicated that the use of monetary penalties and fines may increase criminal activities and behaviors of hardcore criminals and other individuals from high socio-economic backgrounds.  In addition, severity and certainty of the punishment may also promote criminals from involving in bad social behaviors in the society. In that sense, deterrence doctrines should be used to discourage criminal activities and crimes in the society in relation to various elements including the consideration of the type of punishment used and the kind of crime committed.

The research studies also indicated that the poor adoption of deterrence doctrines can promote criminal activities in the society and should be applied based on the type of criminal and criminal behavior involved. Instilling moral values and policies on individuals are more imperative than using deterrence practices to control and reduce criminal behaviors in the society.  In some cases, criminals argued that the benefits of their criminal activities are more beneficial than the consequences of their criminal behaviors.  The criminal justice systems in the society should involved the use of family and religious based educations practices in order to promote moral values in the society. The use of less severe punishment practices is also more effectively than severe punishment practices in reducing, controlling and preventing criminal behaviors in the society.

Works Cited

Apel, Robert. “Sanctions, Perceptions, and Crime: Implications for Criminal Deterrence.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology 29.1 (2013): 67-101.

Paternoster, Raymond. “How Much Do We Really Know About Criminal Deterrence?” Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology 100.3 (2010): 765-823.

Sitren, Alicia H., and Brandon K. Applegate. “Testing Deterrence Theory with Offenders: The Empirical Validity of Stafford and Warr’s Model.” Deviant Behavior 33.6 (2012): 492-506.

Tittle, Charles, Ekaterina Botchkovar, and Olena Antonaccio. “Criminal Contemplation, National Context, and Deterrence.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology 27.2 (2011): 225-249.