Ace the Chicago Police Department Exam 2025 – Suit Up to Serve and Protect!

The principle that emphasizes punishment as a means of deterrence is rooted in the Classical School of criminology, where the focus is on the rational choices made by individuals. The Classical School suggests that individuals have the capacity to make rational decisions, and when they anticipate the consequences of their actions, they are less likely to commit crimes if the punishments are swift, certain, and appropriately severe.

The idea of punishment as a deterrent is based on the belief that if people are aware that certain behaviors will result in punishment, they will choose to refrain from committing those acts. This principle positions punishment not merely as a retributive tool but as a proactive measure to prevent future wrongdoings. It underscores the importance of a structured legal system where predictable penalties exist, thus aiming to cultivate a safer society through the deterrence of crime.

The other principles mentioned, such as Human Rights, Rationality, and Due Process, often focus on different aspects of legal and moral frameworks, such as ensuring fair treatment and protecting individual liberties, rather than directly addressing the function of punishment in deterring criminal behavior. Therefore, identifying punishment as a deterrent is central to understanding the Classical School's approach to crime and justice.