choice theories

Question 1

the 3 main choice theories

Answer 1

deterrence (18th century), rational choice (1986), and routine activity (1979)

Question 2

deterrence theory (classical criminology)

Answer 2

the first school of thought for criminology

Question 3

Cesare Beccaria

Answer 3

(DT) wrote on crimes and punishments (1764), laws should be simple, clear, fair and equal. Regardless of motive, laws should be equally applied to everyone because it is a personal choice to break it (free will)

Question 4

Jeremy Bentham

Answer 4

(DT) wrote an introduction to principles of moral legislature (1780), believed punishments should fit the crime and be rendered at low cost to deter crime.

Question 5

specific vs. general deterrence

Answer 5

specific- harsh punishments convince offenders to not re-offend
general- threats of punishment convince would-be offenders to not offend

Question 6

free will

Answer 6

we are free to make behavioral choices

Question 7

according to deterrence theory, what do punishments need to be effective?

Answer 7

celerity (fast/swift), certainty, and severity

Question 8

critiques of deterrence theory

Answer 8

delinquents may not fear consequences, punishments may produce defiance, and what types of punishment are effective

Question 9

rational choice theory

Answer 9

developed by Derick Cornish and Ronald Clark in 1986, states that people commit crime because the possible benefits outweigh the possible punishments

Question 10

rational criminal

Answer 10

an intelligent criminal that is capable of planning and making a calculated decision, non-impulsive (costs vs benefits)

Question 11

critiques of rational choice theory

Answer 11

teens lack mature thinking, so are they capable of “rational thoughts”? Teens may be under the influence, participating in group crime (not personal choice), or have variations in individual motives

Question 12

routine activity theory

Answer 12

developed by Marcus Felson and Lawrence Cohen in 1979, explains crime rates across neighborhoods and focuses on predatory crime

Question 13

according to routine activity theory, crime rates depend on:

Answer 13

a motivated delinquent( teenage boy) with suitable targets/victims (expensive cars) and a lack of capable guardians present (police officers)

Question 14

situation crime prevention

Answer 14

recognize the characteristics of sites and situations at risk:

1. potential offenders are better monitored
2. potential targets/victims are better guarded
3. means to commit crime are controlled