Abstract
Deterrence theory's central hypotheses are that crime can be prevented when punishment is certain, severe, and quick. Whether explicitly or implicitly, deterrence‐centric philosophy serves as the foundation for many criminal justice systems. The wide application of deterrence theory in practice and policy, however, is alarming for some since most research on deterrence theory concludes that the three general principles of deterrence theory – certainty, severity, and celerity – do not significantly reduce crime. Drawing on the question of whether deterrence is an effective method of crime control, this entry reviews the history behind deterrence theory and early and contemporary research on the theory and offers important questions that policymakers, practitioners, and researchers must ask as deterrence research progresses into the future.
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