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Certainty and Severity of Sanctions in Classical and Behavioral Models of Deterrence: A Survey

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  • Entorf, Horst

    (Goethe University Frankfurt)

Abstract

This survey summarizes the classical fundamentals of modern deterrence theory, covers major theoretical and empirical findings on the impact of certainty and severity of punishment (and the interplay thereof) as well as underlying methodological problems, gives an overview of limitations and extensions motivated by recent findings of behavioral economics and discusses 'rational' deterrence strategies in subcultural societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Entorf, Horst, 2012. "Certainty and Severity of Sanctions in Classical and Behavioral Models of Deterrence: A Survey," IZA Discussion Papers 6516, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp6516
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    2. Amedeo Argentiero & Bruno Chiarini & Elisabetta Marzano, 2015. "Tax Evasion and Economic Crime. Empirical Evidence for Italy," CESifo Working Paper Series 5497, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    behavioral economics; economics of crime; deterrence; survey;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior
    • H0 - Public Economics - - General

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