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Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response

Melissa Eaves

CJS/200

01/11/2012

Ken Malone

Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response

In this paper I will discuss what choice theories are and how they relate to crime. I will also be discussing common models for society to determine which acts are criminal and how choice theories of crime affect society. Choice theories are the explanation of human behavior based on internal motivation.(Glasser,W.(2007)Choice Theory: An Introduction) Glasser discussed how all of our behavior is chosen as we continually attempt to meet one or more of the five basic needs that are a part of our genetic structure. (Glasser, W. (2007)Choice Theories: An Introduction) Choice theories relate to crime in many ways. The main way that choice theories relate to crime is that choice theories relate to human traits that need or have the urges for and to do things that cause them to do illegal things for the simple purpose of curbing so called cravings. These decisions are based on the overall effect of choice theories. There are two common models for society to determine which acts are considered criminal. The first common model is to observe the evidence. The second common model is to find out how the incident happened. Choice theories of crime affect society in a big way. The biggest problem with choice theories of crime is that the individuals that are the criminals cause much of the world to live in fear. Some people would say that choice theories are not accurate because many people think you are not born a criminal, you learn to be one. I do not think I necessarily agree with that theory.

References

Glasser, W. (2007) Choice Theories: An Introduction