We learn this module about sentencing. One of the stated goals of sentencing is

We learn this module about sentencing. One of the stated goals of sentencing is deterrence. That is often the justification for high mandatory minimum sentences, i.e. we need to tell would-be criminals they will go away for not less than XX years to deter them from committing the crime in the first place. But does sentencing policy deter crime? Does a would-be felon decide not to do it because of the potential punishment? Can you find any empirical data to support your view?