Rational Choice Theory Vs Deterrence Theory

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Rational Choice Theory contains the most significant concepts that correlates to the Deterrence Theory. The conceptions of the Rational Choice Theory analyze the aspects of human behavior that is established by the perception of free-will. However, to prevent the human behavior from transpiring throughout society, the proportionality of punishment corresponding to the severity of the crime perpetrated should be implemented to form certainty for the apprehension of the offender. Even though Rational Choice Theory is the premeditated thought process in decision-making. Deterrence Theory is more beneficial than Rational Choice Theory because specific deterrence and general deterrence can avert criminals from deciding upon their choice to commit …show more content…

The general deterrence is a forewarning to the public of potential consequences if a crime is committed. However, the individual makes a decision connecting to the free-will of committing the crime after the indication of consequences are established to the public. According to Carlsmith (2008), he states that, “… the purpose of punishment is to deter others from committing crimes and that punishment in the absence of future benefits is itself immoral” (p. 120). The Rational Choice Theory most significant purpose specifies criminality as a merely individual decision. The other criminology theories concentrate on additional perceptions such as life spanned traumas, criminal relations, and personal traits of the criminal. Moreover, the specific deterrence is the punishment of criminals in unanimity to the severity of the crime committed to avert offenders from executing the action repetitively. Research has shown that, “Deterrence studies are classified commonly as bearing on one type of deterrence or the other, with the most purportedly involving general rather than specific deterrence” (Stafford & Warr 1993, p.124). However, the implementations of the two deterrence components are beneficial to the prevention of wrongdoings occurring in the nation. The general and specific deterrence can help alter the circumstances of intervention and

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