Discuss the role of deterrence in the criminal justice system. What are two types of deterrence? How well does the U.S. criminal justice system currently accomplish these two forms of deterrence? Provide examples to support your position.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer varies but should include a description of general deterrence, which deals with the population, and whether individuals will be less likely to commit crimes because of fear that they might be punished or imprisoned for their actions. It should also include a description of specific deterrence, or whether the experience of punishment in general, and incarceration, makes it less likely that the ex-prisoner will commit crimes in the future. On specific deterrence, the U.S. criminal justice system has not accomplished its goals and, in fact, is "criminogenic" in that those who have been through the U.S. prison system are more likely to commit additional crimes. General deterrence is hard to measure but can include both the likelihood of getting caught and the severity of the punishment if you are caught. The U.S. is one of very few countries that still uses the death penalty. It is not clear the effect this punishment has on the overall crime, but there is some evidence that shows even this severe punishment does not deter crime as a general deterrence.