RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY

Rational Choice Theory



Rational Choice Theory

Introduction

The literature supports that many criminals go through a rational choice process when committing crime. The purpose of this paper is to show why the legal system of the United States is based on this theory, and why it is a strong basis for the justice system. This paper will focus on burglary, and the various surveys collected to support rational choice in burglars.

Examination Of Theory

As a basis for all of these theories, and also and extension of these theories is Rational Choice Theory. Rational Choice theory assumes that the criminal is first a rational being. It assumes second that he considers his crime rationally, weighing both personal factors, (such as being poor, wanting excitement or entertainment) and situational factors, (such as the availability of the target, the likelihood of being caught, and the seriousness of the crime). Many are confused as to the meaning of these assumptions, especially the latter. When speaking of a criminal considering things rationally, many assume that this is a long process and do not believe that criminals undergo this process. The rational choice approach, however, does not define this as a long process. Rather, it can occur in the matter of a few moments, or can be a plan worked on for months. Some crimes are more difficult to explain using rational choice theory. The first would be drug use. However, one must consider the personal factors and see that, for the drug user, the thrill or excitement is likely to outweigh the likelihood of being caught. So, initially, the drug use is a rational choice.

Although Rational Choice Theory is the basis for the Classical School theory, it is also a modern extension of it. Modern Rational Choice theorists analyze crime as offender-specific ...