Should the Standard of Proof be Lowered to Reduce Crime?

Lowering the standard of proof to increase the conviction rate may increase crime. Even though a lower standard of proof gives a higher expected penalty for all crimes, it reduces the expected penalty for serious crimes relative to the expected penalty for less serious crimes. Consequently, a lower standard of proof is less effective in deterring serious crime. As the proportion of agents with a low opportunity cost if crime increases, the standard of proof should be increased.