The Rational Choice Theory versus The Trait Theory on the Issue of the Reduction or Control of Crime.

Theoretical schools have long been used in the study of criminal behavior and as guidelines for determining ways to effectively reduce crimes. Two popular theories used in today's society are the Rational Choice Theory and the Trait Theory. Some argue that the Choice Theory is a more effective way of reducing and controlling crime while others argue in favor of the Trait Theory. After researching both theories, I have come to the conclusion that there …

…increasing the police force, enforcing stiffer penalties, creating mandatory sentencing for all types of crimes, the three-strikes-and-your-out-law and the death penalty. These preventive approaches may not work for all criminal behavior but studies have shown that they have been effective in reducing and preventing some criminal behavior. References Keel, R. (2004, August 23), Rational Choice and Deterrence Theory. Retrieved September 16, 2004, from http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/200/ratchoc.html Siegel, L. (1992). Criminology. 4th Ed. New York: West Publishing.