What does the severity of a punishment refer to in deterrent theory?

The severity of a punishment in deterrent theory specifically refers to the harshness of the punishment that is imposed for a crime. Deterrent theory posits that individuals will weigh the potential costs of committing a crime against the benefits. If the punishment for a crime is perceived as harsh or severe, it is intended to discourage individuals from engaging in criminal behavior, thereby reducing crime rates.

In this context, severity is not about the duration of the punishment or its economic impact, nor is it concerned with the public's perception of its effectiveness. Instead, it focuses purely on the degree of discomfort or consequence that the punishment entails. This notion aligns with the idea that if individuals perceive the risks and penalties as significant and unpleasant, they are less likely to commit the crime in the first place. Thus, the harshness of the punishment plays a central role in effectively deterring criminal behavior according to this theoretical framework.