Deterrence Theory and Adolescent Sex Crimes

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Table of Contents

Theory Description
Adolescent Sex Crimes
Theoretical Point(s) of View Presented in the Article
Data and Methods the Author Used
Results
Conclusions
Limitations of the Studies
References

Law enforcement policies are guided by certain theories and principles. For instance, deterrence theory is now widely used as it is regarded as an effective framework that helps in deterring would-be offenders from committing crimes. However, there are still many concerns as to the effectiveness of such policies and the applicability of the theory to some contexts. This paper includes a brief analysis of the ways the theory is used by scholars. The focus is on adolescent sex crimes and policies developed on the basis of deterrence theory.

Theory Description

Deterrence theory is based on the assumption that people can make rational choices when deciding whether to commit or deter from committing a crime. It is stipulated that people weigh possible benefits as well as negative outcomes associated with their actions including criminal behaviors (Najdowski, Cleary, & Stevenson, 2016). In case the adverse effects overweigh potential gains, people are believed to deter from offenses. One of the major negative event associated with crime is being caught (Svensson, 2015). Therefore, it is possible to use the following wording. If people believe they can be caught easily and get severe punishment, they are likely to avoid certain crimes. However, there are many settings where this theory cannot be applied.

Adolescent Sex Crimes

Juvenile crime is one of the most controversial areas as adolescent delinquents are regarded as people who are unlikely to be totally responsible for their actions or can understand the outcomes of their behavior (Najdowski et al., 2016). At the same time, adolescents can commit violent crimes and become offenders in their adulthood. One of the crimes that attract a lot of attention is the adolescent sex crime. The policies associated with this type of offense are also rather debatable. For instance, the registration policy is seen as rather controversial (Najdowski et al., 2016). This policy implies the registration of adolescents’ personal information, and the following offenses can lead to stricter punishments for the registered people.

Theoretical Point(s) of View Presented in the Article

As has been mentioned above, the theory appeals to the individuals’ ability to make rational choices. Najdowski et al. (2016) concentrate on this premise and emphasize that adolescents are often unable to make rational choices due to certain psychological peculiarities of this age group. Moreover, the researchers claim that many young people are unaware of this policy and its possible outcomes. The researchers also note that psychological peculiarities of individuals should also be taken into account as people often have different risk perceptions. Svenssson (2015) addresses another aspect associated with people’s differences. The author states that individuals’ levels of morality have a considerable impact on their deterrence. The researcher stresses that deterrence is more likely to be effective among people with low levels of morality.

Data and Methods the Author Used

Najdowski et al. (2016) implemented a literature review and analyzed the available information on the corresponding policies and their outcomes. The authors used secondary data and made their conclusions based on this analysis. Svensson (2015) carried out an empirical study based on self-report data. The research involved 891 adolescents from Sweden. The author also reviewed the existing studies on the matter and developed conclusions based on the empirical and secondary data.

Results

Najdowski et al. (2016) stress that the registration policy is ineffective due to the limited applicability of deterrence theory. The researchers claim that adolescents are unlikely to be deterred from sex crimes due to certain limitations. These gaps include adolescents’ psychological peculiarities and their limited ability to make rational choices. Insufficient awareness of the registry law peculiarities, as well as the definition of crimes, also contribute to the ineffectiveness of the policy under consideration. The authors also draw readers’ attention to some empirical data showing that registration may have a negative effect on adolescents’ life in the future. Svensson (2015) found that morality was considerably correlated to deterrence among the participants. Individuals with low levels of morality were more likely to deter as compared to adolescents with high levels of morality.

Conclusions

Both articles provide the data that indicate the gaps in the use of deterrence theory when addressing adolescent sex crime. One of the major conclusions is that the theory should be used with caution as young people are often unable to make rational choices. Furthermore, personality can affect adolescents’ decisions to deter. Finally, the lack of awareness concerning the existing policies and their potential outcomes limits teenagers’ ability to make correct choices.

Limitations of the Studies

Although the articles provide valuable insights into the use of the theory, they are characterized by certain limitations. For example, Najdowski et al. (2016) do not provide sufficient empirical data due to the lack of this kind of information. It could be beneficial to implement sound quantitative studies on the matter. It can be effective to carry out similar inquiries nationwide. Svensson (2015) also reports some limitations of his research. The author notes that it is necessary to implement a longitudinal study to unveil the correlation between morality and deterrence. The researchers’ conclusions are also based on self-reports, which can undermine their reliability and validity to a certain extent.

References

Najdowski, C., Cleary, H., & Stevenson, M. (2016). Adolescent sex offender registration policy: Perspectives on general deterrence potential from criminology and developmental psychology. Psychology: Public Policy and Law, 22(1), 114-125.

Svensson, R. (2015). An examination of the interaction between morality and deterrence in offending. Crime & Delinquency, 61(1), 3-18.

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