To Do Assignment Details Introduction to ADMJ 70009-001 According to Cesare Beccaria, crimes are a matter of rational choice. In other words, one weighs the potential pleasure gained from committing the crime against the potential pain derived from the punishment. According to this theory, those who choose to commit a crime have done so because they believe the pleasure outweighs the potential pain; those who choose not to commit a crime have not done so because they believe the potential pain (of getting caught) outweighs the pleasure of committing the crime. Classical criminologists would agree with Beccaria that almost all crimes can be explained by rational choice. NOTE: "Rational choice" does not mean that the person chooses the "right" option, or one that you would agree with; rather, it means that they weigh the potential pleasure of committing the crime against the potential pain of getting caught (or any other consequence), and choose a course of action. It is the act of weighing that constitutes "rational," -- whether they do this consciously or not. The Questions 1. Is everyone rational? Is everyone capable of deciding rationally? Support your answer with an example or evidence. 2. Explain the rationale underlying the commission of murder (187 PC), burglary (459 PC), and assault/battery View Discussion 12