NCJ Number
20023
Journal
NORDISK TIDSSKRIFT FOR KRIMINALVIDENSKAB Volume: 60 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (JULY-DECEMBER 1972) Pages: 293-310
Date Published
1972
Length
18 pages
Annotation
THE USE OF ECONOMIC DECISION-MAKING THEORY IN ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PUNISHMENT, RISK LEVELS AND CRIMINALITY LEVELS.
Abstract
THE SELECTION OF CRIMINAL CONDUCT AS AN ALTERNATIVE IS COMPARED TO AN EMPLOYEE'S CHOICE OF A JOB IN THE SENSE THAT HE IS AN INDIVIDUAL MAKING DECISIONS AND WEIGHING THE COSTS OF HIS ACT. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CRIMINALITY IS SEEN AS A FUNCTION OF THE RANDOMLY DISTRIBUTED PRICE (PUNISHMENT), OF THE ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE, OF THE COSTS TO THE CRIMINAL OF THOSE ALTERNATIVES, AND OF THE INCOME TO BE DERIVED. SINCE COST INCREASES AS PENALTIES OR LAW ENFORCEMENT INCREASE, THE CRIMINAL GENERALLY CHOOSES WITH UNCERTAINTY SINCE HE CANNOT CALCULATE THESE FACTORS ACCURATELY. OTHER INFLUENCING FACTORS ARE INVESTMENT OF TIME, WHICH MAY BE PROFITABLE IN WELL-PLANNED CRIMES, ECONOMIES OF SCALE RESULTING FROM THE COMMISSION OF ASSOCIATED CRIMES, AND THE REDUCED IMPACT OF PENALTIES ON RECIDIVISTS. FOR SOME CATEGORIES OF OFFENDERS INCREASED PENALTY AND RISK IS NOT A DETERRENT, AND OTHER ALTERNATIVES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE, E.G., GROUP THERAPY OR INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LICIT LABOR MARKET. --IN SWEDISH