Deterrence Essay Example

Criminal Justice in America, which is the punishment of individuals intended to set an example for the general public and discourage the commission of offenses. Another definition of deterrence falls under the category of "special deterrence," also known as specific or individual deterrence, which focuses on the decisions and behavior of offenders who have already been apprehended (Cole p.230). Within the field of sociology, Robert Merton discussed the "Social Structure and Anomie."

C.P Snow attempted to bridge the gap between the criminal justice world and the humanities by applying sociology in his work "The Two Cultures". He merged methodology from the sciences and subject matter from the humanities through Sociology. The correlation between sociology and deterrence may seem contradictory, but further reflection reveals a deeper truth. Sociologists do not oppose the concept of deterrence; instead, they seek to understand the causes of criminal behavior and explore possible solutions to prevent it, ultimately enhancing deterrence. However, one issue in sociology is the tendency to commit ecological fallacies of crime, where analysts wrongly attribute aggregate characteristics to individuals.

For instance, when the media or sociologists focus on specific individual cases, such as the Columbine shooting, they tend to generalize it to all youth. This has negative consequences. In the case of Columbine, the media specifically focused on the gothic youth subculture and certain types of music that were linked to the perpetrators. As a result, all gothic subcultures faced prejudice, discrimination, and fear.

Robert Merton: "Social Structure and Anomie"

Merton's essay begins by analyzing how the norms and values of a society ideally relate to one another. (Merton builds his theory largely on his study of migrant workers.) Initially, he argues

that individuals primarily acquire their goals from society rather than biological instincts. "The values of society represent the objectives that most individuals are expected to strive for in their lives." Furthermore, society's institutions provide the means to attain these goals.

According to Bainbridge (p.58), the norms of institutions determine how individuals should strive for goals. Thus, an ideal society culture should have integrated values and norms. Norms enable people to achieve values, giving meaning to them. Hence, in a society where following institutional norms fails to lead individuals to cultural-defined goals, many people may deviate, possibly through crime or other means. The United States represents such a society as American culture emphasizes the significance of acquiring personal wealth and status. However, the difficulties faced by the poor and disadvantaged hinder their success.

According to Merton, the state of normlessness, known as anomie by Emile Durkheim, is a situation that can be caused by various social processes. Sociologists have provided different definitions for this term. Anomie affects individuals but is actually a condition of the society around them. When anomie intensifies, crime also increases. Crime rates in American society are high and have become ingrained in our culture. Therefore, Merton's theory suggests that society, not the individual, bears responsibility for crime and other deviant behavior.

So deterrence must be used as a control unit for the individual.

Introduction to Sociological studies

Another form of deterrence and control is being developed by sociologists. Sociologists are trying to study and research the causes and origins linked to deviance, crime and mental illness. In order to inform, prevent, control, and deter crime from happening.

According to Thrasher, the area is not just a rundown place

where poor people live, but it is also socially isolated from the rest of the city. He describes gangland as being interstitial, serving as a space that fills the gap between other things. In this space, the boys form a primitive society for themselves as the larger society fails to fulfill their needs. The breakdown of traditional social institutions leads to the disintegration of families.

Slum schools lack attractiveness due to prevalent corruption in local politics. Furthermore, the boys encounter restricted prospects because of low wages and high unemployment.

Edwin Sutherland: Principles of Criminology

Sutherland developed a theoretical justification for criminal behavior that differed from the dominant emphasis on social disorganization in criminology at that period.

The text explores the impact of deviant subcultures on individual behavior. It discusses how adult criminal gangs have historically recruited young men, turning them into criminals. Sutherland's nine-step model, known as differential association theory, explains this process. The theory suggests that individuals learn criminal techniques and specific motivations through interactions within personal groups. Moreover, these learning experiences shape their attitudes and rationalizations towards crime. These motives and drives are influenced by favorable or unfavorable definitions according to the legal code. When an individual has more definitions favoring law violation than opposing it, they may become delinquent. This perspective aligns with symbolic interactionism, highlighting the role of communication in shaping individuals' perceptions of situations. Humans define situations in a certain way and convey these definitions to others through various messages from different sources. If most of these messages support criminal behavior, there is a higher likelihood that an individual may engage in criminal activities.Differential associations can vary in terms of frequency, duration, priority, and

intensity. The process of learning criminal behavior by association with criminal and anti-criminal patterns encompasses all the mechanisms involved in any other form of learning. Criminal behavior, while being an expression of general needs and values, cannot be solely attributed to those needs and values as non-criminal behavior stems from the same needs and values.

The distinctive characteristic of criminal behavior is that it is acquired from criminals, thus anyone has the potential to become a criminal if they are more heavily influenced by the criminal subculture rather than conventional society.

In a document titled Understanding and Preventing Violence by Jeffery Roth, he explores research on how to prevent and eradicate violent crimes.

Roth (p.143) suggests that there are various important matters to consider when it comes to tackling crime. These encompass the extent and character of violence in our community, possible approaches for preventing and discouraging criminal behavior, and the requirement for more investigation to identify causes and additional opportunities for prevention. Despite the present high level of violent crime in our nation, sociologists claim that this is a regular occurrence and that eventually, rates of criminal activity and imprisonment will reach a stable point.

Between 1975 and 1989, stricter prison sentencing had some success in preventing violent crimes by incapacitating and deterring offenders. However, the effectiveness of these measures was undermined by crimes committed by individuals still in the community. According to Roth (p.178), reducing violence requires an effective criminal justice response and preventive interventions that address factors contributing to the risk of violence.

Long-term prevention strategies should prioritize targeting children and their caregivers, along with implementing interventions at social and community levels which have shown positive outcomes.

Roth also suggests considering biomedical approaches like addressing substance abuse among pregnant women. For immediate impact, conducting interviews in areas with high prevalence of violent events—such as illegal drug markets or places where alcohol and firearms are easily accessible—can yield results. It is also important to identify physical locations conducive to crime.

The National Academy of Science Panel on the Understanding and Control of Violent Behavior has provided valuable insights for criminal justice officials seeking a better understanding of key issues surrounding crime deterrence.

While the United States has experienced murder and violent crime rates per capita that are not historically unprecedented, they still rank among the highest compared to other industrialized nations. Despite implementing tougher sentencing for violent crimes between 1975 and 1989, there was no decline in their occurrence. This lack of decrease can be attributed to the fact that any reduction achieved through longer and more frequent prison sentences was counteracted by increases resulting from various factors. As a result, it is crucial to prioritize prevention of violent incidents before they happen. Nonetheless, research findings and evaluations of programs indicate that there are promising approaches for deterring violence.

Collaboration is crucial for developing strategies to prevent defects in the criminal justice and juvenile justice sectors, as well as other social service agencies (Roth p.75). Additionally, evaluations conducted by researchers play a vital role. The high level of violence poses a significant concern for society. In 1990, there were 23,438 murders in the United States, resulting in a rate of 9.4 per 100,000 individuals. This rate was nearly double that of Spain, which had the second-highest rate among industrialized nations. This alarming statistic highlights the substantial

number of violent incidents.

Deterrence of criminals is a worldwide necessity, not confined to any particular nation. It is crucial to prevent repeat offenses and discourage offenders in order to safeguard innocent lives. This approach does not only guarantee justice but also ensures the protection of society.

Several cases of deterrence have been documented in recent news.

The New York Times covers multiple stories addressing criminal justice, crime prevention, and deterrence at an international level.

This next article illustrates that crime is not restricted to the United States and that Durkheim's and Merton's theories have global applicability.

New York Times Article (Johannesburg)

An recent instance of this can be discovered in the international section on page 4 of the February 27, 1998 issue. Entitled "For Rising Crime Rate, High-Rise Jail to Match," the article examines the increasing crime rate in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the last ten years, criminal activity has doubled, indicating a notable surge in crime incidents.

The government officials of Johannesburg are struggling to find a solution for crime prevention. Their proposed solution involves building a 53-story high maximum-security prison, described as a "dorm-like penitentiary". The design was commissioned by Mr. Silver, who asserts that it will house the most dangerous criminals and have no chance of escape. However, Mr. Silver has refused to discuss the living conditions within the prison. Sources reveal that there are torture stations situated in the basement of this skyscraper.

There are rumors of prison officials being allowed to physically abuse prisoners and handle internal issues within the prison walls. Silver argues that prisons need to change in order to deter criminals and prevent them from reoffending when released. He questions whether prisons should

be luxurious like hotels. Although this approach is cruel and not allowed in the United States, it effectively demonstrates that serving time in this prison is not easy and encourages individuals to think twice before committing crimes. This is a significant aspect of the Criminal Justice problems in the US. To address this issue, stronger deterrents are needed instead of the current punishments that often result in criminals being released 4-5 years before completing their sentences. Johannesburg seems to have a better approach to deter criminals. Anthony Lewis, the author, finds an article titled "Judge Given Arguments on Sentence for Nichols" on the second page of the February 9, 1998 edition of the New York Times unsettling.

The article discusses the sentencing of Terry Nichols, one of the main individuals responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing of a Federal Building. It mentions that Nichols' lawyers have requested a maximum jail term of six years, while the prosecutors are seeking a life sentence. The act of violence and hatred committed by Nichols resulted in the deaths of numerous people. Anthony Lewis raises the concern that if Nichols is not given anything other than life imprisonment or death, it will send a clear message that one can kill and still be released. The fact that someone could even consider asking for a minimum sentence of six years for causing harm and taking the lives of innocent Americans is truly appalling, revealing the disturbing mindset of today's criminals. This tragic attack serves as a distressing reminder to both the American people and the justice system.

Deterrence and crime prevention are of utmost importance, necessitating daily practice and enforcement

to effectively combat horrific attacks like the one at Oklahoma City. Cases such as the highly publicized Nichols case should serve as an example, conveying to the public that the U.S justice system will not tolerate such incidents. By conveying this message to potential criminals, it will act as a deterrent. Another relevant article from the February 9, 1998 edition of the Times (p.A3) further contributes to the concept of deterrence. Written by Mireya Navarro and titled "Execution Without All the Attention," the article discusses the execution of Karla Faye Tucker, who killed her husband with a pickax in 1983.

In Texas, Mrs. Tucker was sentenced to death in February. Navarro believes that this case could change people's perspective on the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime. According to the article, television and media played a significant role in influencing public opinion about Tucker's crime, portraying it as horrific and deserving of the ultimate punishment. This case served as a clear message that Texas would not tolerate murderers, making it a victory for justice, as per Navarro.

Kate Thornton, mother of a murder victim, emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety and holding criminals accountable when our justice system fails. To prove that crime is not tolerated in Texas, we must take action. Preventing and deterring criminals from committing crimes is essential to creating a safe environment to live in. The Tucker trial serves as a notable example of effective deterrence, as its high-profile nature made a strong impact. However, it is crucial for justice to prevail even without the presence of a television camera in the courtroom.

Travis Hirschi: Causes of Delinquency

Hirschi conducted an

extensive study by distributing a comprehensive questionnaire to junior and senior high school students. Additionally, he gathered school records and information from the police to identify students who had encountered legal troubles.

Hirshi favored control theory, which he defined as the belief "that delinquent acts result when an individual's bond to society is weak or broken." This bond consists of four components: 1) attachment to people (specifically close relationship with parents) that makes a person sensitive to the desires of others; 2) commitment, which involves investing time and energy in a conventional line of activity (such as obtaining a good education) that would be jeopardized by engaging in delinquent behavior; 3) involvement, where one's time and energy are entirely consumed by conventional activities (such as extracurricular activities), leaving no opportunity to deviate; and 4) belief, the conviction that society's norms are just and must be followed. Hirschi contributes to finding solutions for deterrence in his research on young individuals, examining not just one but all three theories previously discussed by sociologists.

Hirschi's research demonstrated that teenagers who spent a significant amount of time with their parents and were actively involved in school were less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors compared to their peers. This model could serve as a deterrent to youth criminal behavior in the United States, as more students would respond positively to it.

New York Times Article (Policing Students)

The concept of deterrence extends beyond capital punishment cases and is applicable to less severe situations involving young adults as well. Tamar Lewin discusses this phenomenon in a New York Times article titled "Schools Are Moving To Police Students' Off-Campus Lives."

This article discusses schools that aim

to control their students' lives outside of school. Lewin addresses the challenges faced by young individuals today, such as drug use, gang involvement, and family issues. He argues that schools are generally seen as the main authority in society. Therefore, when the Supreme Court allowed drug testing of student athletes in 1995, even for drugs taken outside of school, some considered it a signal to intervene in behaviors occurring off-campus (Lewin p.A4). The Supreme Court ruling aimed to discourage drug use by granting schools the authority to test their students. Consequently, some schools are now considering whether they should also deter students from joining gangs and monitor their family life, as they speculate that the fear of being tested may lower drug rates in tested schools.

Enforcing off-campus policing would compel students to conform to the police and other authorities. The schools would utilize the police as a deterrent, ensuring that the students adhere to the law without fearing law enforcement. Moreover, this approach would dissuade students who have already engaged in criminal activities and prevent future instances from occurring. Schools that have implemented this strategy have witnessed a significant decline in drug-related incidents and crime rates, as well as a decrease in detention and suspension occurrences. Deterrence philosophy is employed worldwide to instill fear in potential offenders and deter them from further criminal behavior.

The application of deterrence is crucial in all cases, as it prevents future offenses. If the Criminal Justice System fails to implement deterrence for offenders, society will suffer. This suffering arises from the message it sends to potential criminals, who may be considering engaging in unlawful activities. If the justice system is

lenient towards offenders, it sends a signal that one can commit a crime and face no consequences. Unfortunately, our justice system disappoints us by allowing those who harm and kill our loved ones to escape punishment. However, we can prevent this by utilizing deterrence in all situations.

Therefore, the philosophy of Deterrence is the answer to many of society's problems.

1. Bianchi, Herman H. 1924. Justice as Sanctuary . Bloomington, Indiana UniversityPress.
2. Cole, George F., and Smith E. Christopher. 1996. Criminal Justice in America.

Boston, Mass.: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

sec.A4.

"Schools are Moving to Police Students' Off-Campus Lives." The New York Times, March 17. Sec.3:2-3.

sec. A:3.

A: 2.

"Prosecuting adolescents as adults ineffective deterrent." http://www.oir.ucf.edu/pubrel/UCFReport7.19.96/adolescents.html Yahoo.com.. July 19,1998.

Peter's 1963 book, Invitation to Sociology, was published by Double Day Publishing in New York, New York. Another sociology book worth mentioning is William Bainbridge's 1997 work, Sociology, which was published in Hauppauge, New York.

Barron's Educational Series.

• Erikson, Kia 1997 Sociological Visions. Lanham, Marryland. Rowman ; LittlefeildPublishers inc.
• Definition of DeterrencePage 2
• Sociology of DeterrencePage 3Robert Merton "Social Structure and Anomie"Pages 3-4Introduction to Sociological Studies:Pages 4-6
• Deterrence Online ArticlePage 7
• Psychology and DeterrencePages 8-9
• New York Times Article (Johannesburg)Pages 9-10
• New York Times Article (Nichols)Pages 10-11
• New York Times Article (Tucker)Page 11
• Travis Hirschi : Causes of Delinquency Page 12
• New York Times Article (Policing Students)Page 13