Deterrence Theory Of Punishment

Introduction
A central and enduring question in the study of criminal behavior concerns the extent to which punishment diminishes a convict’s likelihood of committing crimes in the future (Green et al., 2010). Many empirical studies over the years have explored the idea of the deterrence theory, but the results are mixed. Some studies suggest that those who are punished more severely become less likely to reoffend; others contend that they become more likely to reoffend; and still others find no relationship between punishment and recidivism (Green et al., 2010). Does the severity of the type of sentence, incarceration vs. another sentence, affect levels of recidivism? Based on studies within the last five years, it is hypothesized that
(2014) described the deterrence theory, which explains how sanctions were thought to be most effective when (1) swiftly following the crime, (2) highly probable, and (3) severe enough to deter future criminal acts, as written by Beccaria. Deterrence theory assumes that offenders are rational and choose to commit crimes when the perceived benefits of criminal behavior outweigh the potential costs (Budd et al., 2014). Deterrence theory quickly goes to the idea that every criminal thinks in logical steps. If there is too high of risk for severe punishment, the criminal will not offend. A few propositions made based on the deterrence theory is to give sex offenders longer prison sentences and serve more time (Budd et al., 2014), setting up mandatory alcohol checkpoints during periods of increased rates of alcohol consumption (Bachmann et al., 2014), and setting up Day Repoting Centers to make a collaboration between the criminal justice system and community treatment agencies (Champion et al., 2011). Looking at harsh sentences, such as deterrence theory suggests, compared to less severe sentences can help answer the question as to how the sentence affects
Looking closer at first time DWI offenders, this study examines which punishment works best to lower recidivism. Bachmann et al. (2014) holds the hypothesis that the behavioral programming received during community supervision leads to lower recidivism rates for first time DWI offenders. The sample is first-time DWI offenders in Tarrant County, Texas who get to choose between the three options of probation, straight jail sentence, or labor detail sanction (Bachmann et al., 2014). The recidivism rates were compared differently depending on which punishment the offender chose, each from different departments, but they were all compared in a follow-up after 15 months. Recidivism in this study includes any subsequent charges for any type of criminal activity by the same offender (Bachmann et al.,