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In the economic analysis of law there is a standard argument that goes like this: If you punish a crime more severely, people will do less of it. But you have
by weel 16y ago
In the economic analysis of law there is a standard argument that goes like this:
If you punish a crime more severely, people will do less of it. But you have to be careful. If you punish both murder and shoplifting by death, a shoplifter who is being pursued by a cop might as well shoot the cop—he has nothing to lose.
- neild 16y agoIt is my understanding that severity of punishment is not strongly correlated with reduced incidence of the behavior being punished. Consistency of punishment is strongly correlated. That is, a minor punishment consistently applied is far more effective at controlling behavior than a severe punishment inconsistently applied.