Which option would a judge choose to deter a first time, nonviolent offender from future crime at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers?
a. fines
b. prison
c. rehabilitation
d. probation
d?
Yes, d.
However, the least probable cost would be fines.
I figured fines too, but it wasn't mentioned in the text. Thank you :)
You're welcome.
To determine which option a judge would choose to deter a first-time, nonviolent offender from future crime at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers, we need to assess each option.
a. Fines: Fines impose monetary penalties on offenders. While they may act as a deterrent, they might not address the underlying issues that could contribute to future criminal behavior.
b. Prison: Incarceration involves placing the offender in a correctional facility for a specific period. While imprisonment might temporarily remove the offender from society, it is often expensive and does not necessarily address the offender's potential for future criminal behavior.
c. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation focuses on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and providing offenders with the necessary support and skills to reintegrate into society. This option is designed to reduce recidivism rates and prevent future crimes.
d. Probation: Probation allows offenders to remain in the community under supervision and specific conditions. It can include counseling, community service, and regular check-ins with probation officers. Probation is often a cost-effective alternative to incarceration, as it allows the offender to maintain employment and community ties while still imposing accountability.
Given the goal of deterring future crime at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers, a judge might lean towards option d. Probation as it provides supervision, accountability, and rehabilitative elements without the expenses associated with imprisonment. However, it's important to note that judges consider individual circumstances, the nature of the offense, and the available resources when determining the appropriate punishment.