Siegel and Welsh write that because a youth is punished in the present does not necessarily mean he or she fears future punishment. Name the reasons presented as to why punishment encourages rather than reduces delinquency. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Explain

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Young offenders may believe that though they were caught and punished, the experience was actually beneficial: they have learned from their experiences, now know how to beat the system, and can get away with crime.
• Kids who have already been severely punished, ie. Placed in a juvenile facility, may represent the "worst of the worst," who will offend again no matter what punishments they experience.
• Punishment may bring defiance rather than deterrence. People who are harshly treated may want to show that they cannot be broken by the system.
• Punishment might be perceived to be capricious, unjust, or unfair, which causes sanctioned offenders to commit additional crimes as a way to lash out and retaliate.
• Harsh treatment labels and stigmatizes kids, locking them into a delinquent career.
• Delinquent offenders who are caught and punished may also believe that the likelihood of getting caught twice for the same type of crime is remote: "Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot," they may reason; no one is that unlucky.
• Student views will vary.