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Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response

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Checkpoint: Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response Oval Campbell
CJ200
Martin Nealeigh
November 30, 2013

Criminal Acts and Choice Theories Response

Write a 200- to 300-word response in which you describe choice theories and how they relate to crime.
Describe the common models for society to determine which acts are considered criminal.
Explain how choice theories of crime affect society.
Post your response as an attachment.

The common models that societies use to determine which acts are considered criminal are based in basic human rights. We unconsciously know that dreadful crimes such as murder are essentially wrong. Yet the concept of having the God given right to pursue happiness and our desires must have a limit. So in general, laws reflect respect for others rights as well, ensuring that we can all both pursue our personal happiness without impinging on our neighbors’ rights. In order to promote law enforcement, one of two models is usually chosen. In the centralized model, one or two agencies work in tandem to perform street enforcement, traffic duty, and criminal investigation. In the regionalized model police departments, sheriffs, and constables handle the duties of patrol and traffic, while a separate state department performs investigation.

Sensible Choice Theory:

The sensible choice theory explains why some people choose to commit crime. In its most basic form, the concept is that people will commit crimes if they are given the motive, opportunity, and the risk of being caught or punished is minimal or is outweighed by the circumstances. The motivation to commit crime might result from a number of circumstances. For example, while stealing is wrong, we as a society tend to look more compassionately upon the criminal that steals something to eat. Yet none of us feel compassion for the criminal that steals diamonds and

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