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Rational-choice Gun Use in Armed Robbery: The Likely Deterrent Effect on Gun Use of Mandatory Additional Imprisonment

NCJ Number
128957
Journal
Criminal Law Forum Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 427-450
Author(s)
R W Harding
Date Published
1990
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Findings of a study of the choice of weapons among violent offenders in Western Australia suggest that a sentencing policy directed specifically at the use of guns in committing robbery could be effective in discouraging the choice of this weapon.
Abstract
The analysis used data from a questionnaire and interview survey of 123 convicted violent offenders serving sentences in 1988 for offenses committed during the previous 3 years. The analysis used the rational-choice perspective of criminality and found that gun users believe that guns have operational advantages and are aware that they will probably receive a longer sentence if they use a gun rather than some lesser weapon. Literature on general deterrence and delayed deterrence as well as empirical evidence from Canada suggest the desirability of a clearly identified, additional mandatory sentence for gun use. This sentence would not be reduced under the rules applicable to parole or early release. Tables and footnotes

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