Rational Choice and Strain theories and how they can relate to being an attorney
What I have written so far:
For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be an attorney, in more recent years I have found where I would like my focus to be. That focus would be tax law, probate, wills, etc. at the federal, state and local level. Many of my cases would-be white-collar type crimes that involve organizations, individuals and even some government entities. I believe that rational choice theory and strain theory most closely relate to this career and most financial type crimes. According to our text book rational choice theory is when the offender weighs their options in the cost and benefits of crime before they commit any crimes. This shows that every person is faced with a choice and they make this willingly. Under strain theory not everyone has the same opportunities and this can often cause a stain on finances, especially if an individual feels limited by how successful they are. Nobody likes to be seen as a failure. For some being unable to reach their dream can make them cross moral lines and often engage in illegal behavior. Societal pressures and the allure of the American dream can create criminals if they see their own failure as a threat to their or their family’s wellbeing.
Rational choice theory is defined by Siegel as a theory that law-violating behavior is the product of careful thought and planning. It assumes that people are self-interested and will be willing to violate the law after considering both personal factors (such as money, revenge, thrills, and entertainment) and situational factors (such as target availability, security measures, and police presence). Anyone is a potential criminal if they calculate that the profits are great and the risks are small. (Siegel, 4-2). Many studies have been done on this topic, some have failed and others have been very successful using the theory. One of those such successful studies
Need to use Criminolgy The Core by Siegel and 4 sources,
