Module 5
Criminal Theory
,Exploring the Causes of Crime
Module 5
,Choice Theory
• Classical Criminology
1. All decisions to commit crime were a rational choice
• Free will
2. Fear of punishment will deter the choice to commit
crime
• Assumes person weighs the benefit against the cost
before committing
HOT
3. Swift and certain STOVE is effective at controlling
punishment
behavior/crime
, Choice Theory and Public
Policy
• Idea that committing a crime is a choice is a
cornerstone of the American justice system
• Policy makers reason that severe punishment can
deter crime by influencing the decision making
process
• Supporters of the death penalty emphasize its
deterrent effects
• Harsh mandatory sentences to control drug use and
trafficking
Criminal Theory
,Exploring the Causes of Crime
Module 5
,Choice Theory
• Classical Criminology
1. All decisions to commit crime were a rational choice
• Free will
2. Fear of punishment will deter the choice to commit
crime
• Assumes person weighs the benefit against the cost
before committing
HOT
3. Swift and certain STOVE is effective at controlling
punishment
behavior/crime
, Choice Theory and Public
Policy
• Idea that committing a crime is a choice is a
cornerstone of the American justice system
• Policy makers reason that severe punishment can
deter crime by influencing the decision making
process
• Supporters of the death penalty emphasize its
deterrent effects
• Harsh mandatory sentences to control drug use and
trafficking
