If deterrence and other "tough on crime" approaches don’t work- why do they continue to be promoted and implemented? Why is severe punishment and the threat of punishment still assumed to be effective when there is plenty of evidence to the contrary? Maahs & Pratt (2017) suggest that at least part of the responsibility falls on criminologists to be better scientific communicators, and Neil deGrasse Tyson stressed the importance of effective communication in his video, as well. But is that enough to overcome emotions, politics, social media influence, infotainment, and widespread scientific illiteracy?
Consider these questions, critically analyze what you learn in the readings, and share your own conclusions and recommendations in this week’s discussion.