What benefits did the offender expect to gain from the crime

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Reference no: EM133783016

Case Study 1: Applying Rational Choice Theory to Explain Criminal Behavior

For this case study, you will apply Rational Choice Theory to explain the criminal behavior described in the scenario below. This exercise is designed to help you understand how the theory works in practice and how it can be used to analyze and interpret criminal actions.

The Case of Sarah Thompson

Background:

Sarah Thompson is a 28-year-old woman living in a small, economically struggling town. After graduating high school, Sarah worked a series of low-paying jobs, never finding stable employment. With limited job opportunities in her town, she struggled to make ends meet and began to feel increasingly desperate as bills piled up.

Sarah had always been a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record, but her circumstances changed after her mother was diagnosed with a severe illness. The medical bills were overwhelming, and Sarah felt an immense pressure to provide financial support. Despite working two jobs, she was unable to cover the mounting expenses.

The Crime:

One evening, Sarah was walking home from work when she noticed a local jewelry store closing for the night. The store was small, with minimal security measures-just a simple lock on the front door and a few security cameras. Sarah had walked by the store many times, admiring the expensive items on display.

In a moment of desperation, Sarah devised a plan to break into the jewelry store and steal enough valuables to sell and cover her mother's medical bills. She reasoned that the store's insurance would cover the losses, so no one would be seriously harmed by her actions.

The following night, Sarah carried out her plan. She used a rock to break the glass door and quickly entered the store. She grabbed several expensive items-watches, necklaces, and rings-before fleeing the scene. Sarah managed to avoid detection by the security cameras, and she sold the stolen goods the next day, earning enough money to cover several months of medical expenses.

The Aftermath:

For a few weeks, Sarah felt relieved that she had been able to help her mother, but guilt began to weigh on her. She constantly worried about being caught and regretted her actions. However, she justified the crime to herself by focusing on her mother's well-being. Eventually, the police identified Sarah as a suspect through witness statements and minor evidence left at the scene.

Sarah was arrested and charged with burglary and theft. During questioning, she admitted to the crime but emphasized her desperate situation and the reasoning behind her decision.

Structure of the Case Study

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the case, including the main facts (e.g., who, what, when, where).

Provide a brief overview of Rational Choice Theory.

Application of Rational Choice Theory:

Analyze the case using Rational Choice Theory.

Describe how the offender might have conducted a cost-benefit analysis before committing the crime. Consider the following:

Perceived Benefits: What benefits did the offender expect to gain from the crime (e.g., financial gain, revenge, social status)?
Perceived Costs: What risks did the offender perceive (e.g., likelihood of getting caught, potential punishment, moral consequences)?
Decision-Making Process: How did the offender weigh the perceived benefits against the perceived costs? What factors might have influenced their decision to proceed with the crime?
Discuss any evidence from the case that supports your analysis (e.g., statements made by the offender, patterns of behavior).

Critical Evaluation:

Evaluate the effectiveness of Rational Choice Theory in explaining the behavior in this case.

Discuss any limitations of the theory when applied to this specific case. Consider factors such as irrational behavior, emotional influences, or social/environmental factors that Rational Choice Theory might not fully account for.

Your case study must be clear, concise, and most importantly, well-thought out. 80% of your grade will be based on how well present your thoughts. 20% of your grade will be based on your paper structure, use of appropriate spelling and grammar, and APA style formatting. Your paper should be approximately one page, with standard margins and 12-point font. It should be submitted to Canvas by Sunday, September 15 (8:00 pm).

Reference no: EM133783016

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