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CJS 240 W2 Study Notes

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Individual Theories 1
Individual Theories
JOSH GORBAN
History has proved over time that there are two types of young adults in the world, those
who make the decision to be successful and those with the I don’t care attitude and intrigue with
the life of criminal behavior. The reasons why these young adults make the choices that they do
vary greatly in difference.. Three of the reasons mentioned by young adults as to why they
choose the bad road involves having a horrible younger life, peer pressure and even the excuse of
boredom. Being that we have young adults who choose to entertain criminal behavior we must
also have in turn a system that can be measured in the deterrence of criminal behavior among
youth. Our current system does not seem to be as effective in improving this rising problem. To
effectively be able to deter some of this criminal activity in youth, we need to gather information
on why a youth chooses to involve themselves in this type of behavior, and there are many
theories to this question.
One of those theories is labeled as the Genetic Theory. The genetic theory states that
criminal behavior is inherited just as hair color or eye color is. It is theorized that embedded in
these offenders is a genetic code that causes them to make certain decisions and be involved in
criminal behavior. This theory also states that anyone can look at a child’s parents and determine
whether or not the child is going to be an offender. I find this theory not to be accurate. For one,
there are children born to law abiding parents who commit criminal behavior just as there are

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Individual Theories 2
children who are born to parents who have been involved in criminal behavior that are law abid-
ing citizens. I feel that genetics lies in the borders of physical and emotional disorders or charac-
teristics more than inherited criminal behavior traits. On the other hand a child can be raised by
parents who practice criminal behaviors and learn he learned behaviors do not stop at just parents
because they can be learned from anyone.
Routine Activities Theory is one state youth become offenders because the opportunity is
present. In essence this theory is responsible for the belief that if a youth commits a crime it is
because the opportunity was present not because of genetics. An example of routine activity the-
ory is that if a youth sees a wallet with cash in it then he will steal it. This theory makes it seem
that the youth has uncontrollable urges that cause them to commit criminal acts.If this theory
were correct then youth would not be able to know the difference between right and wrong with-
out proper supervision would become a criminal. According to Wadworth (2005) “Kids will
commit crimes when they believe their actions will go undetected by guardians such as police,
security guards, neighbors, teachers, or homeowners. They choose what they consider safe places
to commit crimes and to buy and sell drugs”. I find that youth who are taught early of value and
respect for themselves and other will develop good morals. Being taught right and wrong and the
consequences of wrong behavior can deter some youth from a life of crime. Over the years
crime has become a rising problem. There are many individuals who actively participate in a cor-
rupt lifestyle and have children. Some of our youth are raised in homes of this nature, but it can-
not be assumed that just because a child has a aren’t who engages in criminal behavior that they
will too. Here are many different aspects and characteristics that make up a youth as a person and
in turn determine whether or not a youth will choose a life of success or a life of crime. An indi-
vidual begins being molded into the person that they are during their child hood years. If a per-

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Individual Theories JOSH GORBAN History has proved over time that there are two types of young adults in the world, those who make the decision to be successful and those with the I don't care attitude and intrigue with the life of criminal behavior. The reasons why these young adults make the choices that they do vary greatly in difference.. Three of the reasons mentioned by young adults as to why they choose the bad road involves having a horrible younger life, peer pressure and even the excuse of boredom. Being that we have young adults who choose to entertain criminal behavior we must also have in turn a system that can be measured in the deterrence of criminal behavior among youth. Our current system does not seem to be as effective in improving this rising problem. To effectively be able to deter some of this criminal activity in youth, we need to gather information on why a y ...
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