Criminology

1.-4. (4 pts. Possible) What is the basic decision rule of rational choice theory? What are utilities and disutilities? The basic decision rule of rational choice theory is that to choose the behavior that is expected to maximize (that is, produce the most) utility and/or minimize (that is, produce the least) pain. Rational choice theory behaviors are driven by thoughts about future consequences. People do whatever they think will produce the most utility or least disutility. Rational choice theory says that all behavior is rational and it is all chosen (except for reflexes and the like). Utilities are general word for anything that anybody considers desirable. Disutilities are general word for anything that anybody considers undesirable. In other word, utility is the benefit and disutility is the cost. Utility and disutility are abstract terms which are not concrete, not specific, they are general and cover all benefits and costs. Utilities and disutilities are generic terms designed to cover many different kinds of costs and benefits. The idea is that different benefits can be compared on the basis that the each produce a certain amount of something you like (utility) while different costs can be compared on the basis that each produces a certain amount of something you do not like (disutility).

5.-7. (3 pts. Possible) What are the three dimensions of punishment (deterrence) we discussed in class? 1. Increase the severity of the penalty. Severity generally does not matter much. 2. Certainty of punishment. Certainty matters. 3. Celerity is how quickly offender is punished. Celerity is still questionable whether it matters or not. By increasing the certainty of punishment, potential offenders may be deterred by the risk of apprehension. For example, if there is an increase in the number of state troopers patrolling highways on a holiday weekend, some drivers may reduce their speed in order to avoid receiving a ticket. Second, the