Difference Between Rational Choice Theory and Deterrence Theory

Deterrence theory applies utilitarian philosophy to crime. "Ra- tional choice" is based on economic theory derived from the same utilitarian tradition. ... In comparison, the rational choice theory posits that one takes those actions, criminal or lawful, which maximize payoff and minimize costs.

1. What is the rational choice theory of crime?
2. What are the 2 types of deterrence?
3. What does deterrence theory mean?
4. What are the 3 components of deterrence theory?
5. What is an example of rational choice theory?
6. What is the main idea of rational choice theory?
7. What is an example of deterrence?
8. What are the 4 types of punishment?
9. What are the pros and cons of deterrence?
10. What are the weaknesses of deterrence theory?
11. Does the deterrence theory work?
12. How does deterrence theory explain crime?

What is the rational choice theory of crime?

Rational choice theory implies that criminals are rational in their decision-making, and despite the consequences, that the benefits of committing the crime outweigh the punishment.

What are the 2 types of deterrence?

The two types of deterrence are specific and general deterrence. Specific deterrence applies to an individual defendant. When the government punishes an individual defendant, he or she is theoretically less likely to commit another crime because of fear of another similar or worse punishment.

What does deterrence theory mean?

Deterrence in relation to criminal offending is the idea or theory that the threat of punishment will deter people from committing crime and reduce the probability and/or level of offending in society. ... An underlying principle of deterrence is that it is utilitarian or forward-looking.

What are the 3 components of deterrence theory?

Deterrence theory works on these three key elements: certainty, celerity, and severity, in incremental steps.

What is an example of rational choice theory?

The idea that individuals will always make rational, cautious and logical decisions is known as the rational choice theory. An example of a rational choice would be an investor choosing one stock over another because they believe it offers a higher return. Savings may also play into rational choices.

What is the main idea of rational choice theory?

According to the definition of rational choice theory , every choice that is made is completed by first considering the costs, risks and benefits of making that decision. Choices that seem irrational to one person may make perfect sense to another based on the individual's desires.

What is an example of deterrence?

For example, specific deterrence dictates that, if an armed robber receives a harsh sentence of eight years in prison, he will be less likely to commit armed robbery again when he eventually gets out. However, research has shown that the effectiveness of specific deterrence varies on a case-by-case basis.

What are the 4 types of punishment?

This chapter discusses different types of punishment in the context of criminal law. It begins by considering the four most common theories of punishment: retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation.

What are the pros and cons of deterrence?

Specific Deterrence: Punishment inflicted on criminals to discourage them from committing future crimes. Pros: Punishments are individualized and revolve around what crime the offender committed. Cons: It is difficult for authorities to punish offenders on extreme cases.

What are the weaknesses of deterrence theory?

One problem with deterrence theory is that it assumes that human beings are rational actors who consider the consequences of their behavior before deciding to commit a crime; however, this is often not the case.

Does the deterrence theory work?

Police deter crime by increasing the perception that criminals will be caught and punished. The police deter crime when they do things that strengthen a criminal's perception of the certainty of being caught. Strategies that use the police as “sentinels,” such as hot spots policing, are particularly effective.

How does deterrence theory explain crime?

Under the economic theory of deterrence, an increase in the cost of crime should deter people from committing the crime, and there is evidence that individuals who believe they are likely to be arrested and punished are less likely to commit a crime than those who do not expect to be captured or punished.