Final answer:
In theory, for deterrence to work, punishment must be certain, swift, and severe.
Step-by-step explanation:
In theory, for deterrence to work, punishment must be certain, swift, and severe. Deterrence refers to the idea that potential criminals will be deterred from committing crimes if they believe they will face harsh and immediate punishment. The effectiveness of deterrence has been a topic of debate, and research has shown mixed results.