Chapter 15: Deterrence, Routine activity & Rational Choice Theory

Question 1

What is Deterrence Theory?

Answer 1

The use of punishment to stop potential criminals from committing crimes.

Question 2

What are 3 things needed for deterrence?

Answer 2

1. Certainty of punishment
2. Swift punishment
3. Appropriate punishment

Question 3

What are Mandatory Minimum Sentences?

Answer 3

Requires that convicted offenders serve a predefined prison term for a certain crime they have committed.

Question 4

What is a clearance rate?

Answer 4

A percentage of criminals the police catch.

Question 5

what is Hot spots policing?

Answer 5

Focusing police resources on high-crime areas can reduce crime by increasing certainty or arrest.

Question 6

What is Individualized deterrence?

Answer 6

Directly informing individuals about the consequences of future criminality and ensuring these promises are kept.

Question 7

Rational Choice Theory

Answer 7

Crime is the result of deliberate choices made by offenders based on their calculation of the risks and rewards.

Question 8

Environmental Criminology

Answer 8

Examines the target search process of offenders that precedes involvement in a crime.

Question 9

Crime patterns are analyzed in terms of what? (3 things)

Answer 9

1. Nodes: Places frequented by criminal
2. Paths: Routes between nodes
3. Edges: Boundaries between different land use.

Question 10

How did the Routine Activities Theory develop?

Answer 10

From research on patterns of crime and victimization.

Question 11

What is the Lifestyle/Exposure theory?

Answer 11

Some people put themselves in social settings with high risk of victimization

Question 12

In the Routine Activities Theory, 3 things must be present for crime to occur, what are they?

Answer 12

1. Motivated offender
2. Suitable target
3. Lack of guardianship of the target.