The theory of Rational Choice emerged during the year 1200-1400 from Italian criminologist, jurist, philosopher, and politician Cesare Beccaria. The theory of Rational Choice assumes that all criminals and crimes are rationalize when they are committed. It states that people choose to commit crimes after weighing the costs and benefits such as the consequences of their actions; whether their choice brings them pleasure and reduce pain. (Akers L.) For example, in recent U.S. history, James Holmes, the Aurora theater massacre shooter portrays actions that exemplifies rational thought to commit the crime which left 12 dead and injured 70 others on July 20, 2012. James Homes exhibit rational choice in the Aurora theater massacre by choosing to
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(Cornish & Clarke) James Homes intentionally went and acquired weapons to carry out his destructive plan. According to his notebook, it contained details of the theater, the surrounding locations such as the mall and which entrances were the best based on security and visibility. (Notebook of James Homes) According to a report on ABC News, “the weapons used in the massacre include a military-style AR-15 assault rifle with a high-capacity drum-style clip, a shotgun and two handguns. (Esposito, Date, Thomas & Ferran) In relation to the rational thinking process haven took place, Holmes' apartment, just five miles from the theater, was rigged with explosive booby-traps and if officers had rush in, would have increased the death toll for that unforgettable …show more content…
Trait theory is a theory originated by Italian criminologist and physician, founder of the Italian School of Positivist Criminology Cesare Lombroso. Lombroso rejected the classical theory of crime, according to Cesare Beccaria who stated that all crime is rational and that criminals analyze all factors of the crime before committing the act. According to Cesare Lombroso’s, he concludes that crime is not rational but is predisposed by genetic factors which renders criminals the inability to control their actions. According to the trait theory, criminals are products of biological and psychological traits. Trait theory focuses on the concept that criminals are born, not made for they can be predisposed to become a criminal behavior by theories such as the Biochemical Theory claiming that chemical imbalances in the body from an over and undersupply can lead to criminality for a minimum level of chemicals and minerals is needed for normal brain functioning and growth. In the case of James Holmes, the prime accused in the 2012 shooting that killed 12 people and injured 70 others at a Century movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012, based on his actions, he portrays actions that highlights the fact that he was predisposed to criminality and was born a criminal, not
(Cornish & Clarke) James Homes intentionally went and acquired weapons to carry out his destructive plan. According to his notebook, it contained details of the theater, the surrounding locations such as the mall and which entrances were the best based on security and visibility. (Notebook of James Homes) According to a report on ABC News, “the weapons used in the massacre include a military-style AR-15 assault rifle with a high-capacity drum-style clip, a shotgun and two handguns. (Esposito, Date, Thomas & Ferran) In relation to the rational thinking process haven took place, Holmes' apartment, just five miles from the theater, was rigged with explosive booby-traps and if officers had rush in, would have increased the death toll for that unforgettable …show more content…
Trait theory is a theory originated by Italian criminologist and physician, founder of the Italian School of Positivist Criminology Cesare Lombroso. Lombroso rejected the classical theory of crime, according to Cesare Beccaria who stated that all crime is rational and that criminals analyze all factors of the crime before committing the act. According to Cesare Lombroso’s, he concludes that crime is not rational but is predisposed by genetic factors which renders criminals the inability to control their actions. According to the trait theory, criminals are products of biological and psychological traits. Trait theory focuses on the concept that criminals are born, not made for they can be predisposed to become a criminal behavior by theories such as the Biochemical Theory claiming that chemical imbalances in the body from an over and undersupply can lead to criminality for a minimum level of chemicals and minerals is needed for normal brain functioning and growth. In the case of James Holmes, the prime accused in the 2012 shooting that killed 12 people and injured 70 others at a Century movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012, based on his actions, he portrays actions that highlights the fact that he was predisposed to criminality and was born a criminal, not