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Deterrence Theory: Applying Fearful Consequences To Criminals

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Deterrence Theory: Applying Fearful Consequences To Criminals
Deterrence Theory
Diana Vazquez
Grand Canyon University: JUS-452
15 June 2014
Ms. Theresa L. Cruz, MA, MSCJ, ABD

Deterrence Theory

Historical theories of punishment were based on the concept that applying fearful consequences to criminals would discourage any potential offenders. During the late 1700’s, a criminologist by the name of Cesar Beccaria argued the fact that the death penalty served no purpose as a form of punishment, let alone as a deterrence to criminals. He advocated to reform the criminal justice system through penology, concerning specifically with punishment and deterrence (Beccaria, 2009). In the following essay, Beccaria’s theory of punishment will be thoroughly …show more content…
He emphasized the importance of focusing to prevent crime, rather than on punishment. If the government spent more time on education and rewarding good behavior, the results would gain tremendously from its benefits. More so, in order for deterrence to occur, the time between the crime from occurring and the punishment sentencing should be swifter. Therefore, Beccaria proposed when a punishment quickly follows a crime, the link between the two grows stronger, which in return should deter others from committing the same crime. Retribution is just another word for revenge, and the desire for revenge is one of the lowest human …show more content…
As time progressed, such public spectacles did not deter criminals but rather encouraged troublemakers (Yorke, 2012). The added another motive as to why Becarria debated the improper reasoning behind the death penalty. Nevertheless, Becarria would most likely be satisfied with today’s modern news media, in such, that society now has 24 hour news coverage and open public criminal convictions either on television, internet, or
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