Final answer:
The battle against crime is collectively tackled by governmental criminal justice systems since crime prevention is a public good. A variety of approaches are used, including incarceration, rehabilitation, and restorative justice, each contingent on their relative costs, benefits, and the specific types of crime. Effectiveness of these approaches is evaluated within the framework of reducing societal costs associated with crime.
Step-by-step explanation
How Should the Crime Battle Be Fought? Addressing the complex issue of how society should combat crime requires acknowledging crime as a significant social problem. The strategies employed to fight crime are multifaceted, as crime prevention is considered a public good, and therefore typically falls under the jurisdiction of government-funded and operated criminal justice systems. These systems include local, state, and national police, courts, and prisons. The fact that public goods are non-excludable and non-rival leads to the conclusion that a private market solution for crime prevention is ineffective, necessitating government intervention. Crime definition varies based on locality, and its characterization can evolve over time. Laws reflect the attitudes and biases of both voters and lawmakers, which can change. Hence, what is illegal in one place at a certain time might not be in another. Approaches to reducing the cost of crime, and thus the incidence of it, can include raising the costs through improved labor market alternatives or policies like incarceration, rehabilitation, and restorative justice. Each approach's effectiveness varies with the nature of the crime and societal values. The U.S. system is currently inclined toward punishment, with a focus on incarceration as a means of deterrence, a preventative measure against recidivism, and a method of rehabilitation, albeit this approach's efficacy is debated and potentially questionable for juveniles. Moreover, policy solutions must also consider a cost-benefit analysis framework to ensure the most resource-effective measures are implemented, recognizing that each country faces unique criminal justice challenges.