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Rational Choice Theory And Criminal Behavior

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Although rational choice theory does have merit to otherwise strengthen its argument, there are some limitations to rational choice that weakens its case for criminal behavior. One limitation that I have identified, is that this theory does not take into account non-rational human behavior, such as emotional and psychological behaviors. In some cases, individuals, when confronted with a devastating or emotionally charged situation, are sometimes cause them to commit a crime. For example, if a husband walks in on his wife having relations with another man or vice versa, there is no real way to correctly identify the way someone is going to behave when confronted with this scene. Some individuals may commit a violent act based on irrational impulse

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