The Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge recently undertook a comprehensive study of the literature on criminal deterrence, concentrating on recent research. The result, published in this book, examines the popular claim that deterrence works. That it works in general terms is beyond dispute, but the claim most favored by law-makers is narrower: that tougher sentences has a direct impact on criminal behavior, limiting the number and severity of offenses committed. This study seeks to discover the truth of that claim. Deterrence is a penal aim, is a broad subject, hence the...