Social Control Theory

-Created by Travis Hirschi by 1969

-Under this theory, Individuals breaks the law due to a breakdown with their societal
bond, more over Hirschi refers to four elements which constitute the societal bond which
includes

*Attachment to Individuals

*Commitment to following rules

*Involvement by typical social behaviours

*Belief - A basic value system

When one of these four items breakdown, Hirschi hypothesizes that an individual may
then participate in criminal activities.

Additionally under Social Control Theory, internal or external controls can cause a
person to refrain from acting in a criminal way.

-Social Control Theory also asserts that humans are not born with CONSCIENCE, but
rather that is developed over time.

-It states that individuals acts in certain ways because of the infuence of society, if an
individual is attached in society, they will act in positive and constructive ways, on the
other hand if individuals are not attached in society they will act in destructive ways
including criminal behavior.

Deterrence Perspective

Deterrence - the action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear

of the consequences.
Deterrence theory - Deterrence is the theory that criminal penalties do not just punish
violators, but also discourage other people from committing similar offenses.

5 types of deterrence

1. Specific and General deterrence

A. Specific deterrence

- Prevents crime by frightening an individual defendant with punishment

B. General deterrence

- Prevents crime by frightening the public with the punishment of an individual defendant

2. Incapacitation

- Prevents crime by removing a defendant from a society

3. Rehabilitation

- Prevents crime by altering a defendant behavior

4. Retribution

- Prevents crime by giving victims or society a feeling of avengement

5. Restitution

- Prevents crime by punishing the defendant financially