Deterrence and Knowledge of Statutory Penalties

• NCJ Number: 81157
• Journal: Sociological Quarterly Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1981) Pages: 591-606
• Author(s): K R Williams; J P Gibbs
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH-22350
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health, Education, and Welfare
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines deterrence theory in terms of (1) whether there is an inverse relation between crime rates and maximum statutory penalties, (2) whether there is an inverse relation between crime rates and maximum penalties as perceived by potential offenders, and (3) whether these perceptions are accurate.

Abstract

Classical deterrence theory assumes that penalties deter criminal acts by potential offenders, by questioning the link between perceived properties of punishments and actual punishments. To test the theory, data on perceptions of statutory penalties were gathered in interviews of adult residents of Tucson, Ariz., during 1974 and 1975. The 2,400 respondents were selected in a random sample of residences drawn from an updated listing of Tucson addresses. Survey questions asked about perceived maximum penalties for several types of crimes. Classical deterrence theory assumes that the perceptions of potential offenders are substantially accurate. Analysis of data collected, however, shows only a positive correlation (not absolute agreement) between statutory and perceived maximums. The data also reveal a substantial inverse relation among certain types of crimes between statutory maximums (actual or perceived) and crime rates, which is consistent with the theory. However, that relation becomes problematic when public disapproval of criminality is added as a control variable because of the link between social condemnation and the statutory maximums. The study suggests that rates for some types of crime depend less on legal punishment than on social condemnation. While the data show a definite positive relation between perceived and actual maximums, and an inverse relation between certain maximums and rates for certain crimes, they do not show the independent effects of perceived punishments and social condemnation on crime rates. These findings justify further work on deterrence theory and underscore the need for methodological innovations, especially regarding the effects of multi-variable causation. Tabular data and 33 references are included. (Author abstract modified)