).
Deterrence theory is similar to rational choice theory in that it proposes that people will engage in criminal and deviant activities if they are not afraid of being caught and punished (Keel). In this sense, the criminalÆs rational decision-making process is affected by his knowledge of the potential punishment (Keel). Deterrence, like rational choice, uses punishment as a means of preventing criminals from engaging in criminal activities again (Keel). Deterrence theory depends on both alerting criminals that punishment will occurùostensibly to prevent actual crimeùand punishing criminals wh
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