Chapter 15: Deterrence, Routine Activity Theory & Rational Choice Theories

What is the main assumption of deterrence theory

People are rational and will avoid crime if punishment is severe, certain, and swift.

What are the three key elements of deterrence theory

Severity, certainty, and swiftness of punishment.

What does severity mean in deterrence theory

The harshness of the punishment.

What does certainty mean in deterrence theory

The likelihood of getting caught and punished.

What does swiftness mean in deterrence theory

How quickly punishment follows the crime.

Why does deterrence often fail in reality

Because punishment is not always certain and offenders often ignore consequences.

Does the law effectively deter crime

Not always, because people may not think they will get caught or may not consider consequences.

What is the relationship between prison time and crime rates

Increasing prison time does not necessarily reduce crime rates.

Do longer sentences reduce crime

No, research shows little consistent effect.

Do mandatory minimum sentences deter crime

Generally no, because they do not increase certainty of punishment.

Why don’t mandatory minimum sentences work well

Because they focus on severity rather than certainty.

What is the most effective way to deter crime

Increasing the certainty of punishment.

What are examples of initiatives that increase certainty of punishment

More policing, surveillance, and quicker legal processing.

What are three ways prison serves as a crime control mechanism

Protection, prevention (deterrence), and rehabilitation.

What does protection mean in prison

Keeping society safe by removing offenders.

What does prevention mean in prison

Deterring future crimes by punishment.

What does rehabilitation mean in prison

Helping offenders become law-abiding citizens.

What is the SHU

A special housing unit used for segregation of inmates.

What are healing lodges

Alternative correctional facilities focused on rehabilitation and Indigenous traditions.

Can any prisoner apply to a healing lodge

No, typically only Indigenous and minimum-risk offenders qualify.

What is routine activity theory

A theory that explains crime based on everyday activities and situations.

Who developed routine activity theory

Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson.

What does routine activity theory focus on

The circumstances and situations where crime occurs.

What three elements are needed for a crime to occur

Motivated offender, suitable target, and absence of guardianship.

What is a motivated offender

Someone willing to commit a crime.

What is a suitable target

A person or object that is attractive and vulnerable.

What is absence of guardianship

Lack of protection like police, security, or witnesses.

Who is more likely to be at risk according to routine activity theory

Younger individuals and males.

What does routine activity theory say about police effectiveness

Police have limited ability to prevent crime directly.

What is situational crime prevention

Strategies that reduce opportunities for crime.

What is target hardening

Making a target harder to attack (e.g., locks, alarms).

What are the main strategies of situational crime prevention

Increase effort, increase risk, reduce rewards, reduce provocations, remove excuses.

What does increasing effort mean

Making crime harder to commit.

What does increasing risk mean

Increasing chances of getting caught (e.g., cameras).

What does reducing rewards mean

Making crime less beneficial.

What does reducing provocations mean

Reducing conflicts or temptations.

What does removing excuses mean

Setting clear rules and expectations.

Who developed situational crime prevention techniques

Ronald Clarke.

What are Ronald Clarke’s techniques based on

Reducing opportunities and making crime less attractive.