Rational Choice Theory-Chapter Four The Development of Rational ChoiceRational choice theorists believe that all criminal behavior no matter how destructive is a matter of thought and decision making.- Development of Classical Criminologyo Development began in 18th century Enlightenment period by social philosophers like Jeremy Benthamo Utilitarian Calculus states that people act after weighing costs/benefits and deciding thatthe action will ultimately benefit themo Punishment’s Four Objectives1. To prevent all criminal offenses2. When it cannot prevent a crime, to convince the offender to commit a less serious crime3. To ensure that a criminal uses no more force than is necessary4. To prevent crime as cheaply as possible- Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794) Social philosophero People must be motivated by a fear of punishmenta. People choose all behavior including criminal behaviorb. Their choices are designed to bring them pleasure and reduce painc. Criminal choices can be controlled by fear of punishmentd. The more severe, certain, and swift the punishment, the greater its ability to control criminal behavioro Marginal Deterrence: Punishment should be equal to that of the crime to keep criminalsfrom committing more serious crimes- Classical Criminologyo Why is Beccariavital as a disapline? 200 years as central theoristo What are the basic tenants of classic criminology? People are self-centered, egotisticalo People have the choice to commit crime to solve problemso Crime is attractive if seen through a cost-benefit analysiso People choose not to commit crime when the punishment is greater than the rewardo Effective crime deterrent must be swift, certain, and severe- Contemporary Choice Theory Emergeso Rehabilitation methods won’t deter crime unless they actually help criminalso What are sneaky thrills? Katz’s “Seduction of Crime” explains that there are immediate benefits to criminality that are situational inducements that directly draw offenders ino Tough on crimes=increase in incarceration? o Assumes that human behavior is both willful and determinedThe Concepts of Rational Choice- Why Crime?o Helps achieve a sense of control or mastery over their environmento Boosts self-esteem by attacking enemies or weako Satisfy a desire for revenge or retaliationRational Choice Theory-Chapter Four o Becomes less attractive as people mature and begin to appreciate the dangers of using crime to solve problems- Choosing Crimeo Reasoning criminals evaluate potential punishment and value of committing the crime; behavior is systematic and selectiveo Reasons to forgo crime1. High chance of being caught and punished2. Fear of consequences3. Risk of loss of respect, tainting reputation, possibility of guilt or shame4. Risk of apprehension outweighs the profit/pleasure of crime- Offense and Offendero Offense-Specific-offenders will react selectively to the characteristics of an individual crimeo Offender-Specific-criminals must decide if they have the prerequisites to commit the crime1. Possess the necessary skills to commit the crime2. Their immediate need for money or valuables3. Whether alternatives exist as a solution to their problems4. Availability of resources to commit the crimeo Crime is an event; criminality is a personal trait- Structuring Criminalityo Economic opportunity-people have an opportunity to make more money as criminals than as what society deems “successful citizens”o Learning and Experience-Career criminals learn limitations of their powers; may stop criminal activity when the risk becomes greater than potential profito Criminal Techniques-Criminals develop organization and planning skills that help avoid detection Peep Game-scoping out the crime scene- Structuring Crimeo Choosing the Type of Crime-Can depend on market conditions or situational factors Market Conditions Ex: Robbing elderly at beginning of the month when social security checks are cashed Situational Factors Ex: Increase in robbery/decrease in burglary with an increase in crack userso Choosing the Time & Place-  Time: Burglars work 9-11am when people are at work/school, or Sundaymorning during church time Place: Most often in home territory, if movement occurs-it happens inward towards citieso Selecting the Target- People with Dirty Hands less likely to call police People with nosey neighbors/high police control are avoided Targets can be chosen to send a message1. Market-Related violations emerge from trade partners or rivals2. Status-Based violations occur when character has been challenged3. Personalistic violations when beliefs have been jeopardizedRational Choice Theory-Chapter Four Is Crime Rational?- Theft Rational?o Booster? Wearing loose clothes to steal moreo Permeable neighborhoods? More ways into a neighborhood and easy getaway- Drug Use Rational?o Being addicted?- Violence rational?o 4 goals of violence? Control, retribution, deterrence, reputationEliminating CrimeWhat are 3 things that could sway potential criminals away from crime? Poor choice, not worth the effort, brings pain that is not forgotten- Comish and Clarke suggest 3 strategies to reduce crime:1. Increase the effort needed to commit crime2. Increase the risks of committing crime- Reduce the rewards for committing crime?-Reduce the value to potential criminal- Situational Crime Prevention?o Diffusion, discouragement, displacement, extinction, encouragement- Reduction through SurveillanceGeneral Deterrenceo Perception & Deterrenceo Certainty of Punishment and Deterrenceo Severity of Punishment and Deterrence- Capital Punishment Deter Murder?o Speed of Punishment & Deterrenceo Analyzing General Deterrence- Domestic Violence