Contemporary Desistance Theory Flashcards
How should we arrange punishment?
There should be a diverse range of punishments which should reflect the offender.
Pratt et al’s meta study findings
There is no significant deterrent effect related to the severity of legal sanctions. Instead, certainty was significant, but it was still a weak relationship.
Gibbs’ findings on homicide
Certainty of punishment appeared more important than severity.
Tittle’s findings
Certainty appeared more important than severity.
Why was Tittle’s work criticised?
They were based on police record keeping, so accuracy is questionable.
Paternoster’s findings
Those with less experience of committing crime have higher estimates of certainty of punishment than those with greater experience. More frequent criminality leads to lower perceived risks of stations.
Glaser and Zeigler’s findings
US states with capital punishment have higher rates than those that don’t. Deterrent of death is less than deterrent of prison.
National Academy of Sciences
Evidence supporting deterrent effect of punishment was greater than it not having a deterrent effect.
Do police officers have deterrent effect?
Yes, they have an initial deterrent effect but that tails off quickly, where there remains a small longer-term effect.
General summary
Importance of swift, certain and proportionate punishment to create specific and general deterrent.
Increase the risks associated with criminality.
