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... > social science subjects > criminology and criminal justice > criminology > social history of crime > courts, corrections, punishments > theory of deterrence

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theory of deterrence  

Definition

  • The theory of deterrence attempts to answer one of the most fundamental questions concerning crime: Why do individuals commit criminal and/or deviant acts? Deterrence theory attempts to answer this question by examining the choices and subsequent actions of the offender. Deterrence theory has its roots in the historical evolution of crime and punishment. [Source: The Social History of Crime and Punishment in America: An Encylopedia; Deterrence, Theory of]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/theory_of_deterrence

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