severity | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee

 

Course: Introduction / Criminology

In Rational Choice Theory, severity refers to the idea that the punishment for a crime should be just severe enough to offset the benefit of committing it.


Rational Choice Theory is a perspective in criminology that suggests individuals choose to commit crimes after weighing the potential benefits against the costs. The severity of punishment is one factor that is considered by individuals when making a rational choice to commit a crime.

According to the rational choice theory, individuals commit crimes because they perceive that the benefits outweigh the costs. Therefore, the more severe the punishment, the greater the cost of committing a crime. In this context, the severity of punishment refers to the degree of pain or suffering that is imposed on the offender. The idea is that the punishment for a crime should be severe enough to deter potential offenders from committing similar crimes in the future.

However, the severity of punishment must be balanced against other factors, such as the social and economic costs of punishment, the effectiveness of the punishment, and the potential impact on the offender’s rehabilitation. The severity of punishment must be proportional to the harm caused by the crime and the degree of culpability of the offender.

Proponents of the rational choice theory argue that the severity of punishment is a critical factor in deterring crime. The theory suggests that individuals will choose not to commit a crime if they perceive that the punishment for the crime is severe enough to offset the benefits of the crime. Therefore, increasing the severity of punishment can reduce the likelihood of individuals committing crimes in the future.

However, critics of the rational choice theory argue that the severity of punishment alone cannot deter crime. They suggest that other factors, such as the likelihood of being caught, the efficiency of the criminal justice system, and social and economic factors, play a significant role in shaping an individual’s decision to commit a crime. Furthermore, they argue that excessively severe punishments can be counterproductive, leading to more crime and social unrest.


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Last Modified: 04/08/2023

 

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