NCJ Number
850
Date Published
1971
Length
109 pages
Annotation
SURVEY OF EMPIRICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH STUDIES ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEGAL THREATS FOR PREVENTING CRIME AND DELINQUENCY.
Abstract
DETERRENCE IS EXAMINED AS A MOTIVE FOR OFFICIAL ACTION IN CRIME CONTROL. THE COMMON ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEGAL SANCTIONS ARE EXAMINED, AND SEVERAL FALLACIES ARE IDENTIFIED IN THEIR REASONING. THE AUTHOR ALSO ANALYZES THE CHARACTERISTICS AND RESPONSES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE TO THE THREAT OF LEGAL SANCTIONS. THE DIFFERENT FACTORS WHICH AFFECT LEGAL THREATS COMMUNICATION, ENFORCEMENT, TYPE AND EXTENT OF THREATENED CONSEQUENCES, TYPE OF PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR, AND SOCIAL ATTITUDES - ARE TREATED IN DETAIL.