CJS/240
September 20, 2012
Delinquency Deterrence Response
Farrell Binder
The threat of punishment does not deter juvenile delinquency. According to Wadsworth, children are punished less severely than adults, limiting the power of the law to deter juvenile crime (Wadsworth, 2005). According to the Choice Theory, “Choice Theory holds that youths will engage in delinquent and criminal behavior after weighing the consequences and benefits of their actions.” Some experts believe that delinquent acts will not be committed if teenagers are punished severely. The crime prevention strategies are general deterrence, specific deterrence, and situational crime prevention.
General deterrence concept is based upon the choice