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