Reference no: EM133679590

Case: Desperate Times Require Desperate Measures, Right?

Are there conditions under which you would consider it justifiable to commit a crime? How about theft? For example, you find yourself out of money and in need of food for yourself and three young children. You just moved into town and don't have any friends yet and no family. Your last paycheck was used for rent and moving expenses. Now you have no money left for food and the kids are hungry and one is crying. All you need is a few staples like bread, milk, and eggs. You know you will pay the store back later. So, you simply place the few food items in your tote bag and walk out of the store. In this case, does the end justify the means?

Post a summary of the case you selected and your responses to the following questions:

1. Would the crime be categorized as expressive or instrumental or a combination of the two? Explain your rationale.
2. What influencing factors may have contributed to the subject's crime or criminal behavior and why?
3. How might the subject have rationalized their behavior?
4. Why might one person commit a crime while another person with a similar background does not? Explain your rationale.
5. Would you have behaved in a similar way? Why or why not?