criminology chapter 4

1. Be able to describe the development of rational choice theory.
2. Be able to describe the concepts of rational choice.
3. Be able to discuss how offenders structure criminality.
4. Be able to describe how criminals structure crime.
5. Have knowledge of

...

rational choice theory has its roots in

classical criminology

when did criminologists once again begin to embrace the classical school of criminology which explained that criminal actors plan their crimes and can be controlled by the fear of punishment

1960's

according to contemporary rational choice theory offenders choose crime after considering personal factors. what are the personal factors

entertainment

rational choice the___ specific

offense and offender

who coined the term seductions of crime

Katz

shoplifting and vandalism are considered ___ thrills because getting away with crime is a thrilling demonstration of personal competence

sneaky

some robbers target drug dealers when they feel that the drug dealer has committed some type of violation. which type of violation has been committed when robber feels his autonomy or sense of values has been jeopardized?

status based

___ crime prevention is a method of crime prevention that seeks to eliminate or reduce particular crimes in specific settings

situational

situational crime prevention efforts bring with them certain ___ costs and benefits that can either increase their effectiveness or undermine their success

hidden

what is a hidden benefit of situation crime prevention efforts?

diffusion

what occurs when increased police patrols in one community shift the crime to a more vulnerable neighborhood

displacement

what is a part of the Beccaria's equation that should lower the crime rate if implemented?

certainty severity and swiftness

according to deterrence theory, the threat of severe punishment should ___ the crime rate

decrease

the __ effect of the law may be neutralized if there is a significant lag between apprehension and punishment

deterrent

some experts believe that the purpose of the law and justice system is to create a

threat system

__ deterrence holds that criminal sanctions should be so powerful that known criminals will never repeat their criminal acts

specific

which theory supposes that criminals learn from their mistakes?

specific deterrence

what is the repetition of criminal behavior

recidivism

one in every ___ adults is behind bars

100

the three strikes you're out sentencing policy is designed to deter crime and make sure that chronic offenders are ___

incapacitated

james q Becker viewed criminality as rational behavior that might be controlled by decreasing the costs of crime and increasing the potential for gain

FALSE

personal experience may be an important element in structuring criminality

T

edgework is the term used to describe the repetition of criminal activity

F

drug use can be controlled by rational decision making

T

robbery rates are lower in communities with neighborhood watch programs

T

rational choice theory

crime is a function of a decision making process in which the potential offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act

classical criminology

suggesting that criminal behavior is a personal choice and considers the costs and benefits

offense specific crimes

offender reacts selecrively to the characteristics of a particular criminal act

offender specific crime

offender evaluate their skills, motives, needs, and fears before deciding to commit the criminal act

edgework

excitement or exhilaration of successfully executing illegal activities in dangerous situations

seductions of crime

the situational inducements or immediate benefits that draw offenders into law violations

situational crime prevention

crime prevention that seeks to eliminate or reduce particular crimes in specific settings

defensible space

crime can be prevented or displaced by modifying the physical environment to reduce the opportunity that individuals have to commit crime

crime discouragers

people who serve as guardians of property or people

difusion

an effect that occurs when efforts to prevent one crime unintentionally prevent another

discouragement

crime control efforts targeting a particular locale help reduce crime in surrounding areas and populations

displacement

crime control efforts simply move or redirect offenders to less heavily guarded areas

extinction

crime reduction programs produce a short term positive effect, benefits go away as people adjust to new system

replacement

criminals try new offenses

general deterrence

fear of criminal penalties convincing the potential law violator that the pains associated with the crime outweigh its benefits

specific deterrence

criminal sanctions should be so powerful that offenders will never repeat their criminal acts

incarceration

confinement in jail

recidivism

repetition of criminal behavior

incapacitation effect

keeping offenders in confinement will eliminate the risk of their committing further offenses

guardians

monitor potential targets, polic

handlers

monitor potential offenders, probation officer

managers

monitor places, homeowners