Crime: Does More Severe Punishment Deter?

I. U.S. Incarceration Rate

A. 1990: One million behind bars

B. compared to rest of world: U.S. among the highest

Source of remainder of lecture: Elliot Curie 1985 Confronting Crime

II. Deterrence Doctrine

A. limited concept of human nature: rationale cost/benefit

a. heat of passion: non-rational basis many crimes

b. quest for manhood: street gangs see prison source honor

B. informal v. formal sanctions: family, friends >effective restraint

III. 3 Experiments Tough Sentencing

1. 1973 Rockefeller Drug Law: 2 oz. Heroin min 15/25 yrs, max life

a. posses hullucino/stim intent sell: repeat convict 1-8 ½ yrs, max life

2. 1974 Massachusetts illegal firearm law: 1 year mandatory possession

a. result: ½ get off before, 4/5 get off after law

3 1997 Michigan Felony Firearm law: 2 yrs added sentence for gun use crime

IV. Slippage between crime and punishment: problem catching criminals

A. Rand Corp study of chances of arrest:

a. Robbers: 1/10

b. Burglars: slightly less

c. Auto theft: 1/25

d. Armed robbery: 1/8

V. Recidivism: % released prisoners re-arrested

A. Incarceration: best predictor of repetitive criminality

a. Prison subculture: school of crime

b. Donald West Cambridge Univ study: convict increase delinquency