Deterrence and Rational Choice Theory of Crime - 3085 Words

The issue of whether decision making by criminals is a rational process is a heated topic of discussion when one asserts that crime is the role of choice. Before the classical school of criminology, crime was thought to be the product of the paranormal occurrence of demons, witches, ghouls, and other creatures. The time prior to the classical school of criminology, called the preclassical era, is divided in two parts. Before the time of state intervention into private matters, each individual dealt with violations of their rights. This was a problem because of the continuous cycle of violence being perpetuated. Soon the State (and even the Church) took on the task of dispensing law and order to the masses of the Middle Ages. This led to a†¦show more content†¦For example, the shame of being exposed as a deviant to friends and family is more threatening than official sanctions. John Braithwaite asserted that shaming someone served to shape ones conscience. The crimes that see m to be the most deterrable seem to be those that are rational, instrumental, mala prohibita (acts that are not inherently evil but prohibited for other reasons), and typically committed in public places. Evidence of the deterrability of drunk driving is limited. Although, the sanctions associated with drunk driving may have a moral education effect. Capital punishment as a deterrent has little effect partly because of the irrational nature of acts punishable by death. Actually there is considerable support for a brutalization effect where it seems that violent crime tends to increase after an execution. There are factors that make someone more or less deterrable. Those who are future oriented, have high self control, are low risk-takers, have an authoritarian personality, are pessimistic, and older people. Also, those who are from higher classes are more deterrable. Females are more deterrable than males. Those who have much to lose and little to gain are also in this category. Sur prisingly, race has very little to do with ones level of deterrence. Cesare Beccaria contended that for someone to be deterred, they had to beShow MoreRelatedDeterrence And Rational Choice Theory777 Words   |  4 Pagesworld crime is happening every single day. Yes, some people may feel as if the deterrence theory does not work. Due to the fact that crime still happens in the world. This essay will look at the support for the theory. As well as the key problems for the theory. Next, it will explain some of the newest directions in deterrence/rational choice theory. Finally, it will either agree/disagree with someone’s thought on deterrence and how it does not work and is a waste of time to study. Deterrence andRead MoreContemporary Utilization Of Classical Perspective1575 Words   |  7 Pagesexplain the contemporary utilization of the classical perspective of criminology. 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DISCUSSION: Deterrence and RationalRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System And Crime Prevention970 Words   |  4 PagesINTRODUCTION: Deterrence or rational choice, which one is the better, or should I say wiser theory to follow when it comes to the criminal justice system and crime prevention. Using extreme capacitation (Deterrence) can be an effective punishment for many in our society, however, there will still be a small portion of our society that will still commit crimes. The majority of the society would use good-ole common sense (Rational Choice) and not commit crimes in the first place. DISCUSSION: Deterrence andRead MoreRational Decision Making And Its Effect On Crime Causation Essay1497 Words   |  6 Pages Rational Decision Making and its Effect on Crime Causation Most, if not all Americans, are familiar with the story of Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne. 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