A key assumption of deterrence theory is that people weigh perceived costs and benefits before deciding to commit a crime.

• A. Deterrence Is Based On Rational Calculations Of Costs And Benefits
• B. Deterrence Is Not Relevant In All Types Of Crimes
• C. People Weigh Perceived Costs And Benefits Before Deciding To Commit A Crime
• D. Deterrence Emphasizes Rehabilitation Over Punishment

Answer: (C)

Deterrence theory rests on the idea that potential offenders think through what might happen before acting. They weigh the costs they might face (like the chances and severity of punishment, time, social stigma) against the benefits (the gains from committing the crime). If the perceived costs outweigh the benefits, they decide not to offend. The statement that captures this exact process—people weigh perceived costs and benefits before deciding to commit a crime—is why it is the best answer. The other ideas touch on related but different points: one shifts to whether deterrence works for all crimes, another mentions rational calculation in a general sense, and another argues for rehabilitation over punishment, which is not what deterrence emphasizes.