POLS 207 Lecture 17

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Reasons for the Texas Judicial System

• Punishment (83%)
• Rehabilitation (7%)
• Deterrence (10%)
• Protection?

In a perfectly just world, does crime exist? No.

• Societal pressure
• Morals
• Conscience

Difference in morals (relativism) and utilitarianism is what causes crime. Fear of punishment and

Policy

What is a policy?

A set of norms or expectations, generally understood, that deliniate and/or govern acceptable behavior.
Codified rules or regulations that serve the same function.

Policies don't have to be formal, just binding.

Recognization: There are penalties for deviation.

• if there are no penalties for deviation from the norm, then it isn't a policy

Formalization of norms

Laws are path-dependent: The way we view the world now will affect the way we view the world tomorrow.

It's faster to change policy than to change formal law (hence the funky state laws).