Provide some examples of the practical application of rational choice theories in criminology. Why have these theories been so popular?
What will be an ideal response?
These theories are popular because they provide very clear and easy-to-apply practices that will reduce crime. Two examples are environmental redesign and situational crime prevention (SCP). See Figure 12.7 for examples of SCP. Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is another example. This approach involves changing the environment to reduce opportunities for crime. Crime mapping and hot-spot policing are other examples. Some would suggest very punitive policies also follow from these theories, but a careful reading of work in this area suggests this is not correct. There is no good evidence that increasing punishments change people’s propensity to offend.
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The legal system is depicted as an obstacle to crime fighting with complex procedures and trials as well as dramatic adversarial contests. In reality, though ______.
a. few accused actually go to trial and unexciting plea bargains are the norm b. the legal system is far more complex c. the legal system makes it easier to fight crime because prosecutors know how to talk with the media d. crime fighting is the complex part of the process
The appellate stage of the criminal process occurs __________ adjudication
a. Before. b. After. c. Simultaneously to. d. Preceding
Audio and video recorders ___________. Select all that apply
a. Document precise victim, witness, and suspect statements b. Are acceptable substitutes for handwritten notes c. Capture physiological responses at a crime scene d. Are frowned upon by the courts
The Juvenile Rights Period:
a. was concerned with significant changes in the American family b. saw a reduction in divorce rates c. saw an increase in marriages among youth between the ages of 15 and 17 d. was a time when women stayed at home rather than were actively involved in the labor force