Criminal Justice Questions

1) Beauregard, Rossmo, & Proulx (2007) argue that rational choice theory can help explain serial sexual offending. In your own words, identify and explain the various rational choices the authors identified.

Rational choices involve decision making by offenders before committing a crime. The offenders weigh several factors and finally commit a crime if they see it is worth committing the crime. For instance, the offender thinks about the consequences that will follow. In this situation, an offender knows that there will be consequences after the crime but weighs if the consequences are okay with them, if the offender sees that the consequences are likely to be less punitive to him/her, they proceed to commit the crime. Secondly, the offender weighs on benefits associated with the crime. Here, the offender thinks of the benefit perspective. If the offender views the offense to be beneficial, they eventually proceed to commit the crime to benefit.

2) According to Tomlinson (2016), who tends to be affected by general deterrence and who by specific deterrence? How come?

Individuals affected by general deterrence are those who have never had direct involvement in punishments. However, it is argued that most of the individuals affected by the general deterrence are those who see others getting punished, and maybe they had committed other crimes in the past. Those classified as facing specific deterrence are assumed not to be affected by indirect.

In your own words, what is the reconceptualization model? What are the advantages of this model?

Reconceptualization model is the model which involves the formation of new ideas or concepts to deter individuals from committing a crime. Ideas can be on punishments and consequences following various crimes.

3) In your own words, what was the main idea behind the online article, Latest Crime Statistics Released? [https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/latest-crime-statistics-released]

The main purpose of the statistics released is to inform the public that the use of firearms in crimes has greatly increased in the nation.

4) In your own words, what is the difference between the URC and NIBRS?

The URC is based on summarizing criminal offenses while NIBRS entails the reporting of criminal offenses at the incidents

5) Do you believe all crime is the result of rational choice? Explain your answer in 3-4 sentences.

All crimes result from rational choices because before someone commits a crime, they are aware of the consequences, and they make decisions based on what they see benefits them. For instance, when someone robs, they know they might be arrested. Also, they know if they get away without being noticed, they will benefit.

6) Do you think these topics are relevant/important to understand? Why or why not?

The topic is relevant because they make one to know and understand why crimes are committed.

7) How do these readings relate to the material we discussed in class?

The materials relate to the class materials on the grounds of understanding criminals and their actions as well as what motivates crime cases.