Final answer:
The ideas that punishment should fit the crime and be swift, certain, and severe influenced criminology theories in the 1960s, like deterrence theory, part of the broader law-and-order movement in policies aimed at deterring crime and shaping the criminal justice system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideas that punishment should fit the crime and that it should be swift, certain and severe enough influenced criminology scholars in the 1960s, leading to the development of various criminology theories, including the deterrence theory. These principles, promoting that the severity of punishment should deter crime, link back to the Code of Hammurabi and were discussed by notable sociologists like Emile Durkheim, who saw laws as an expression of the collective conscience.
In the 20th century, especially with the law-and-order movement in the 1990s and the introduction of policies such as the 'three strikes' law, the United States saw a peak in policies that aimed for severe punishments to deter crime. Discussions about the effectiveness of these policies continue, with arguments for and against harsh penalties and the extent to which they should be applied. Scholars and politicians have considered various factors, including the geographic impact on crime, the history of penalties, and rehabilitation efforts within the criminal justice system.
These discussions are part of a long-standing debate on how best to manage crime and deviance within society, balancing the need for punishment with the goals of deterrence and rehabilitation.