Deterrence Theory

Deterrence Theory

Introduction

The Deterrence Theory refers to the punishment which is regarded as essential for the purpose of preventing people from committing crimes and other misdeeds. This theory is related to the law and criminology and carries a significant importance in the respective field. This paper aims to discuss the deterrence theory in light of its consequences and influence on people along with various factors impacting this theory. It is the use of punishment as a threat to refrain people from offending.

Discussion

The Deterrence Theory is highly regarded by criminal justice in several aspects. The issues and challenges pertaining to this theory is the appropriate use of punishments for the two fold rationale. Deterrence Theory is primarily concerned with the punishing the criminal for preventing him from conducting further such criminal activities. Secondly, this punishment should also provide an element of fear to others which will prevent others from committing the same crime. Thus, the deterrence theory plays a pivotal role in criminal justice and terrorism (Almog, 2004).

The degree or intensity of the crime should be kept into consideration while implementing such theory into practice. This means that the gravity of the crime should be calculated and measured in order to provide appropriate justice to the concerned person which will compel him to avoid the crime further. There are various policies related to the deterrence theory which offers the methods and approaches to apply the theory suitably (Schaub, 2002). It can be stated that this theory can be adopted in sentencing the criminals or offensive people. Therefore, it has a great significance in the legal systems which are responsible for the surveillance and responses to crime.

The deterrence theory is related to the punishment and criminal activities not just for the sake of elimination of illegal activities from the society, but also improving the system through propagating the fear of punishment to any person involved in any sort of transgression (Cusson, 1993). The future of societies can be shaped by this approach if applied appropriately. This might result in the desired outcomes. However, the appropriate balance is required for the purpose of attaining a suitable level of justice. Various issues and problems might arise from the improper utilization of such policies. The significance and importance of the deterrence theory explains the need of such device in our society where the crimes need to be controlled.

There are various consequences and challenges faced by the deterrence theory along with the accountability of the factors impacting it. All these aspects should be kept under consideration for the achieving adequate deterrence theory output. Some of these issues are discussed below.

Significance & Importance of Deterrence Theory

The capability and potential of the deterrence theory is questioned by individuals and systems. The successful approaches to deterrence theory demonstrate positive outcomes towards the society and systems. Deterrence Theory actually works in these arrangements as far as the potential is concerned. This proves the significance of this theory prevailing in the legal systems such as criminal justice ...