When Formal Sanctions Encourage Violent Offending: How Violent Peers and Violent Codes Undermine Deterrence

• NCJ Number: 243968
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2013 Pages: 926-955
• Author(s): Stephen W. Baron
• Date Published: October 2013
• Length: 30 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored if violent peers, violent values, and the culture of the street moderated the association between perceived legal sanctions and violent offending.

Abstract

Research focusing on deterrence has stressed the negative relationship between perceived formal sanctions and criminal behavior, ignoring the possibility that in some populations formal sanctions may serve to increase offending under some conditions. Utilizing a sample of 300 homeless street youths, the study explores if violent peers, violent values, and the culture of the street moderates the association between perceived legal sanctions and violent offending. The results suggest that violent peers, violent values, and the culture of the street condition the perceived certainty of punishment so that it leads to higher levels of violence. Further, the culture of the street conditions the relationship between perceived severity of punishment and violence. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.