Punitive deterrence theory posits that if penalties are harsh enough, they will deter people from breaking the law. In Illinois, judges have the power to increase a person's prison sentence under the mistaken belief that it will deter others from committing a similar crime. Increasing sentences to deter others is a myth that has been proven unsuccessful in decreasing our crime rates.

House Bill 4770 and Senate Bill 2783 would repeal this Illinois law (730 ILCS 5/5-5-3.2(a)(7)), thereby reducing the chances that judges will unjustly increase people's sentences under the fallacy that it will deter others.

Punitive deterrence-based sentences inflict more punishment than is penologically justifiable. Increasing the pain and suffering of one individual to try and coerce the behavior of someone else is morally repugnant. Help prevent judges from oversentencing people based on a myth by raising your concerns with your state legislators in just a few clicks.