Reference no: EM132731736

Ethical Decision-Making Process

Criminology is a relatively young scientific discipline. Up until the mid-1700s, criminal behavior was often explained (as were other events) by supernatural or spiritual forces. In the mid-1700s, early criminologists Beccaria and Bentham proposed that criminal behavior was based on individuals' choosing to commit crime, not outside spiritual forces influencing them to do so. Since that time, there have been a variety of theories or ideas about why people commit crime. Some of the theories have focused on biological factors, some on psychological factors, some on social factors, and some have included various combinations of these factors.

Summary: Criminological theory tries to explain criminal behavior. The value of learning criminological theory, developments in the field, and key research findings are discussed.

Assignment

After completing the assigned readings, search for a recent news story online that provides detailed information regarding a crime, the criminal who committed it, victims, and the motive or reason that the crime was committed, and any other relevant details. Include the hyperlink to the news article in your homework. Provide a summary of what occurred and select one of the crime theories assigned readings that best explains the criminals actions. Identify the central points of the theory and how they align with the criminals actions.

What is the motivation behind committing criminal acts? How do some people decide to commit a crime? Do they think about the benefits and the risks? Why do some people commit crimes regardless of the consequences? Why do others never commit a crime, no matter how desperate their circumstances?