Check-Point: Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response

Write a 200- to 300-word response in which you describe choice theories and how they relate to crime. Describe the common models for society to determine which acts are considered criminal. Explain how choice theories of crime affect society.

The common models that societies use to determine which acts are considered criminal are based in basic human rights. We instinctively know that heinous crimes such as murder are fundamentally wrong. Yet the concept of having the God given right to pursue happiness and our desires must have a limit. So in general, laws reflect respect for others rights as well, ensuring that we can all both pursue our personal happiness without encroaching on our neighbors rights. In order to promote law enforcement, one of two models are usually chosen. In the centralized model, one or two agencies work in tandem to perform street enforcement, traffic duty, and criminal investigation. In the decentralized model the duties of patrol and traffic are handled by police departments, sheriffs, and constables, while investigation is performed by a separate state department. Rational Choice Theory: The rational choice theory describes why some people choose to commit crime. In its most basic form, the concept is that people will commit crimes if they are given the motive, opportunity, and the risk of being caught or punished is minimal or is outweighed by the circumstances. The motivation to commit crime might result from a number of circumstances. For example, while stealing is wrong, we as a society tend to look more leniently upon the criminal that steals something to eat. Yet none of us feel compassion for the criminal that steals diamonds and jewelry. When presented with the opportunity to commit crime, and possessing the proper motivation, we can see how quickly the morally deficient character can choose to act. Lifestyles contribute greatly on both sides of the equation. For example, associating and interacting with other people of questionable moral character is not likely to spontaneously result in positive actions and life choices. Finally, when motive and opportunity combine, the last thing to influence the potential offender is the possibility of being apprehended and punished. This is where law enforcement, private security, and even alert and vigilant citizens come in. By simply being visible we serve as a deterrent to crime, reinforcing the potential for apprehension and conviction.