Theories on Criminal Acts
CJ/204
January, 16, 2012
Professor Ryann Jorban

Abstract
There are many reasons why people commit crimes. We live in a world constantly changing and due to the change there are many theories on why people commit crimes. Theories on criminal acts
There are many theories on why people commit crimes. By us understanding on why people commit a crime, we can develop ways to control crime. In criminology there are many theories on why people commit crimes. It is believed that an individual weights the pros and cons and makes a conscious choice whether or not to commit a crime. According to “Theorist Beccaria,” crime occurs when the benefits outweigh the costs- when people pursue self-interest in the absence of effective punishments. Crime is a free-willed choice.
When considering the reasons leading to a criminal activity choice theory plays an important role. According to “Wikipedia” Choice theory is the believe that individuals choose to commit a crime and look at the opportunities before them. Weighing the benefit versus the punishment and deciding whether to proceed or not. Another important theory is classical theory. According to “Wikipedia” classical theory ascertains that people think before they proceed with criminal actions, that when one commits a crime it is because the individual decided that it was advantageous to commit the crime. Social learning theory is another important theory on why people commit crimes. According to “Wikipedia” social learning indicates that individuals learn from those around them and they base their morals and activities on what they see others in their social environment doing.
There are many reasons why people commit crimes. Some individuals commit crimes because they grew up in that type of environment so they believe it is ok to steal from others. Others commit crimes because they do