The decision to violate the law comes after a careful weighing of the benefits and costs of criminal behaviors. Routine activities theory holds that delinquency is produced by the lack of capable guardians, the availability of suitable target, and the presence of motivated offenders (such as unemployed teenagers). Motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the lack of guardianship have an interactive effect. The general deterrence concept holds that the choice to commit delinquent acts is structured by the threat of punishment.  One of the guiding principles of deterrence theory is that the more severe, certain, and swift the punishment, the greater its deterrent effect will be.  Deterrence strategies are based on the idea of a rational, calculating offender.   The theory of specific deterrence holds that if offenders are punished severely, the experience will convince them not to repeat their illegal acts. Some research studies show that arrest and conviction may, under some circumstances, lower the frequency of reoffending; however, incarceration exposes younger offenders to higher-risk, more experienced inmates who can influence their lifestyle and help shape their attitudes.

• Write a 1-page, double-spaced paper that describes the differences between general deterrence, specific deterrence, and situational crime prevention.

Support your work with scholarly academic resources, textbooks, or other sources provided.  Use of APA format is required.