Which key element of punishment did Beccaria identify as crucial for deterring crime?

Cesare Beccaria, a foundational figure in criminology, emphasized the importance of severity as a key element of punishment in deterring crime. In his work, Beccaria argued that for punishment to be effective as a deterrent, it must be proportionate to the crime committed. He believed that if punishments are too lenient, they do not sufficiently deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. Conversely, if punishments are overly harsh or excessive, they may lead to moral objections and undermine the legitimacy of the legal system.

Beccaria posited that an appropriate level of severity acts as a rational calculation for individuals contemplating the consequences of their actions. When potential offenders perceive that the punishment for committing a crime is sufficiently severe, they are less likely to engage in such behavior. This insight laid the groundwork for modern criminal justice practices that emphasize the crucial balance between punishment and deterrence.

Other concepts, such as complexity or length of punishment, do not align with Beccaria's central thesis. He argued for clarity and certainty in laws rather than emphasizing complicated legal frameworks or lengthy punitive measures, which can muddle the deterrent effect. Popularity, while it may pertain to public perception of crime and punishment, was not identified by Becc