The Flaws of Deterrence Theory

In my paper, I discuss the means of the deterrence theory, and argue against its original intent and how in my views it is a failed and flawed theory. I discuss the notion of inherent “evil” in people, and how that the deterrence theory cannot simply go against and correct something that I argue is inherent in humans. I discuss the inherent trait to commit crime, or simply the evil nature that can lead to crime that I think is inherent in people. I give reasons for the failure and the flaws of the theory, I use one prime example of the war on drugs that has been a massive failure to correct the drug issue in the country. I discuss how the deterrence theory can lead to barbaric means of punishment to correct the convicted criminal; this method is known to fail and in turn create more criminals than deters them. I discuss the matter of how these ways can turn people into more hardened criminals than they were originally. I examine examples of the torture that it can become for these inmates, in certain sects of the prison system. I examine the means of how this theory is ingrained into the current fabric of how we handle the criminal problems in the nation. This paper I ultimately look at the flaw of deterrence and how it is a theory that is trying to curb or cage a aspect of humanity that cannot simply just be punished, it does not focus on the need for rehabilitation and the need to make better corrections to these inmates; to show that the cost of trying to punish harshly and bluntly these criminals. It rips apart the economic factor of the prison system, it corrupts the moral fiber of how we treat people. And, how we try to correct human nature