They idea that Cornish and Clarke based rational choice theory on was “that offenders seek to benefit themselves by their criminal behavior; that this involves the making of decisions and of choice… (Cornish and Clarke, 2014). Their view of rational choice focuses on the benefits that the decision will give them. Individuals who believe that the action will strongly benefit them will be more likely to take that action. This theory is also closely related to the deterrence theory, in that they both are both “derived from the same utilitarian tradition” (Akers, 654). The core of these theories is the idea that an individual makes a rational decision when choosing to commit a crime. When making this decision, an individual looks at the “reward/cost balance” (Akers, 655). They look to see what the rewards will be if they commit a crime, and the costs or consequences of committing that crime. Then an individual “takes those actions, criminal or lawful, which maximize payoff and minimize costs” (Akers 654). An individual wants to have as little punishment or consequences as possible when they commit a crime, and if the punishment is considered “too severe” then they will not take that
They idea that Cornish and Clarke based rational choice theory on was “that offenders seek to benefit themselves by their criminal behavior; that this involves the making of decisions and of choice… (Cornish and Clarke, 2014). Their view of rational choice focuses on the benefits that the decision will give them. Individuals who believe that the action will strongly benefit them will be more likely to take that action. This theory is also closely related to the deterrence theory, in that they both are both “derived from the same utilitarian tradition” (Akers, 654). The core of these theories is the idea that an individual makes a rational decision when choosing to commit a crime. When making this decision, an individual looks at the “reward/cost balance” (Akers, 655). They look to see what the rewards will be if they commit a crime, and the costs or consequences of committing that crime. Then an individual “takes those actions, criminal or lawful, which maximize payoff and minimize costs” (Akers 654). An individual wants to have as little punishment or consequences as possible when they commit a crime, and if the punishment is considered “too severe” then they will not take that