Logical Reasoning

PT124 · S3 · Q14 Criminologist: A judicial system

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Criminologist: A judicial system that tries and punishes criminals without delay is an effective deterrent to violent crime.

Evidence

Long, drawn-out trials and successful legal maneuvering may add to criminals' feelings of invulnerability.

If potential violent criminals KP → H know that being caught means prompt punishment, they will hesitate to break the law.

Conclusion

A judicial system that tries H and punishes criminals without delay is an effective deterrent to violent crime (i.e., criminals will hesitate).

Evaluate

The argument assumes KP that violent criminals know that being caught means prompt punishment.

14.

Which one of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the criminologist's argument?

  1. Correct

    It is in the nature

    Why this is right

    This attacks the argument’s assumption that violent criminals know that being caught means prompt punishment.

    Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    74% picked this

  2. About one-fourth of all suspects

    Out of Scope - Temporal

    The argument is about preventing violent crime with a credible threat of punishment. This is about what happens after the crime has occurred and has no bearing on whether someone believes they will be punished.

    14% picked this

  3. Many violent crimes are committed

    Out of Scope

    Whether the person is a repeat or first-time offender has no bearing on whether they will consider the consequences before committing a violent crime.

    7% picked this

  4. Everyone accused of a crime

    Out of Scope

    The right to a trial has no bearing on whether someone will consider the consequences before committing a violent crime.

    4% picked this

  5. Countries that promptly punish suspected

    Strengthens

    This reinforces the relationship that strong and swift punishment reduces the incidence of violent criminal behavior.

    2% picked this

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