Categorize the elements of general deterrence As the fear of punishment increases, crime rates decrease. If the certainty of arrest, conviction, and sanctioning increases, crime rates should decline....

Categorize the elements of general deterrence As the fear of punishment increases, crime rates decrease. If the certainty of arrest, conviction, and sanctioning increases, crime rates should decline. The threat ofsevere punishment should also bring the crime rate down. The faster punishment is applied and the more closely it is linked to the crime, the more likely it will serve as a deterrent. Not only does the actual chance of punishment influence criminality, so too does the perception of punishment. People who perceive they will be punished for crimes will avoid doing those crimes.