Deterrence Theory Social Sciences Research Paper Essay (Research Paper Sample)

Deterrence Theory
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Deterrence Theory
The deterrence theory is based on the idea that individuals will choose to either obey or violate the law after having a calculation of the gains and the consequences of the actions they take. Deterrence theory shows that an individual commits a crime, well aware of the consequences which would befall them for the mistakes they have done. It usually holds up the notion of fairness, where the wicked need to be punished (Pickett & Roche, 2016). This paper looks into deterrence theory and how it explains the crimes committed in the Documentary, "The Shocking Murder Case of Leopold and Loeb."
The Documentary, "The Shocking Murder Case of Leopold and Loeb," the two criminals take it upon them to commit unimaginable crimes with no specific gain. First, the parents of both Loeb and Leopold were rich, which implies that the ransom was not written so they could get the money. Their aim in this crime, it is clear that they had already planned to commit the crime, and had no particular target. The young men had been planning the act for a long time since they knew the consequences that they would face if they were caught by the law (Finset). They thus took their time to arrange for the act, from the kidnapping to the killing. It is clear that Leopold and Loeb have not motivated by the money they were to exhort from the young boy's parents as they killed him even before they could get the money. The two teenagers just choose to follow the path of criminal activity and not obey the law.