Beccaria Proposed Three Main Elements of Deterrence

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The Answer is Beccaria proposed three main elements of deterrence: certainty, severity, and celerity.

In the context of contemporary criminal justice case processing, these elements can be applied to different crimes as follows:

1. White collar crime:
- Certainty: The likelihood of being caught and prosecuted for white collar crime is relatively low, which reduces the deterrent effect of this element.
- Severity: The potential penalties for white collar crime can be severe, including significant fines and lengthy prison sentences, which could serve as a deterrent for some individuals.
- Celerity: Case processing for white collar crime can be lengthy and complex, which may reduce the deterrent effect of swift punishment.

2. Disorderly conduct:
- Certainty: The likelihood of being caught and prosecuted for disorderly conduct can vary depending on the circumstances, but in general, there is a moderate level of certainty.
- Severity: Penalties for disorderly conduct can include fines and short-term imprisonment, which may serve as a moderate deterrent.
- Celerity: Case processing for disorderly conduct can be relatively swift, which could enhance the deterrent effect of this element.

3. First-degree homicide:
- Certainty: The likelihood of being caught and prosecuted for first-degree homicide is generally high, which increases the deterrent effect of this element.
- Severity: The potential penalties for first-degree homicide, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, are extremely severe, which could serve as a strong deterrent.
- Celerity: Case processing for first-degree homicide can be lengthy due to the complexity of the investigation and legal proceedings, which may reduce the deterrent effect of swift punishment.

Based on this analysis, first-degree homicide would experience the greatest deterrent effect, as all three elements of deterrence (certainty, severity, and celerity) are relatively high in this context.

Beccaria Proposed Three Main Elements of Deterrence

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