General Deterrence Theory

General deterrence theory is a theory in that people who believe that they are likely to be caught and severely punished will abstain from crime. Does this apply to crimes associated with fraud? Write a summary and provide support for your position. 

General deterrence was essentially designed to prevent crime in the general population, and I believe it does apply to crimes associated with fraud as well. The state’s punishment of criminals serves as an example for others in the general population who have not yet participated in criminal events. As a result, this will make the public aware of the horrors of official sanctions in order to withhold them from committing crimes (https://marisluste.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/deterrence-theory.pdf).

The traditional law enforcement reaction to corporate fraud is straightforward and predictable. Following widely-reported scandals, politicians increase penalties for a given group of offenses, and promise an increased devotion to detecting and prosecuting those offenses. Prosecutors then implement the traditional approach by publicly arresting wrongdoers (and alerting the media in advance of their arraignments) and, after prevailing at widely reported trials, pressing for long prison sentences and other notable penalties. During the last four decades, the federal government has steadily increased penalties