In the classical framework, deterrence aims to prevent crime by making the costs outweigh the benefits. Which option best expresses this idea?

In the classical framework, deterrence aims to prevent crime by making the costs outweigh the benefits. Which option best expresses this idea?

• A. Deterrence works by making the costs of crime higher than the benefits
• B. Deterrence relies on rehabilitation rather than punishment
• C. Deterrence has no relation to punishment
• D. Deterrence targets only the victim's needs

Answer: (A)

Deterrence in the classical framework rests on the idea that people act rationally and weigh costs against benefits before committing a crime. If the punishment is greater than the potential benefit, the crime won’t be worth it, so crime is deterred. The option that states deterrence works by making the costs of crime higher than the benefits directly expresses this cost–benefit calculation. It captures the fundamental aim: punishments should be costly enough to outweigh any anticipated gain. Rehabilitation, punishment focus, or victim-focused aims described in the other ideas do not align with this deterrence principle.

Deterrence in the classical framework rests on the idea that people act rationally and weigh costs against benefits before committing a crime. If the punishment is greater than the potential benefit, the crime won’t be worth it, so crime is deterred. The option that states deterrence works by making the costs of crime higher than the benefits directly expresses this cost–benefit calculation. It captures the fundamental aim: punishments should be costly enough to outweigh any anticipated gain. Rehabilitation, punishment focus, or victim-focused aims described in the other ideas do not align with this deterrence principle.