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They've done studies on the effect of increasing penalties on crime, and it's virtually nil.
by thelettere 12y ago
They've done studies on the effect of increasing penalties on crime, and it's virtually nil.
- CalRobert 12y agoWho are "they"?
- thelettere 12y agoResearchers. There have been innumerable studies on the subject - but really it's common sense. If you're a criminal you're unlikely to be particularly adept at the art of deliberation - otherwise you would choose a different way of life. But for evidence here's a somewhat recent review: http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1147698?uid=3739920&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21104508241367 http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1147698?uid=3739920&ui... Also, interestingly, deterrence is not the primary reason most people push for harsher penalties. Rather it is punishment for its own sake: http://www.law.asu.edu/files/!NoTemplate/why%20do%20we%20punish%20-%20Robinson.pdf http://www.law.asu.edu/files/!NoTemplate/why%20do%20we%20pun...
- MrBuddyCasino 12y agoIn islamic countries with sharia law, nobody steals, since you risk loosing a hand. Not that I recommend that approach, but I'd be careful with such statements.
- dagw 12y agoIn islamic countries with sharia law, nobody steals, since you risk loosing a hand Really? Do you have any evidence to back up that claim?
- MrBuddyCasino 12y agoI know people that grew up there. I believe them. Thats all I can say.
- dagw 12y agoIf you can manage to prove that statement you'll basically have proven the P=NP of criminology
- MrBuddyCasino 12y agoGuess you're right - I shouldn't have posted this on HN.
- celticninja 12y agoSounds like bullshit. If that was the case they would not be whipping, beheading, stoning, maiming and executing people in these countries. (spoiler:they are doing all of these things). It's like saying because of the death penalty there are no murders in states that enforce the death penalty. When in actual fact it looks like it poses no deterrent at all.
- CalRobert 12y agoThat seems unlikely given that ISIS has apparently been stealing the homes and possessions of the Yazidi.