Trait Social and Classical Theories on the Occurrence of Crimes Essay

Criminological Perspectives: Sentencing and Criminology

The justice system in the United States has always incorporated the study of criminals in an attempt to reduce offenses in the country. Many theories are used in fostering our understanding as to why crimes occur in the society. However, the theories can be grouped into three main perspectives as a trait, the social, and the classical theories. The following study expounds the nature and occurrence of crimes in society by considering the three aspects.

Trait theories incorporate psychological and biological theories and are based on the argument that criminality is a product of abnormal physiological and psychological traits. The argument is that genetic and biological factors are to blame for criminal behavior and a person having the trait is more likely to commit a crime (Taylor, Walton, & Young, 2013). However, it is believed that people with such traits can be trained not to engage in crime although some are uncontrollable when committing the said crime.

Social theories include the structure theory and the process theory. Based on the social structure theory, economic position of the person is the cause of crime. In contrasts, the social process theory relies on the argument that criminality results from the interactions between people, processes, organizations, and institutions in the society (Taylor, Walton, & Young, 2013). In essence, people behave the way they do because of the environment surrounding them. Individuals in this category do not commit crime because of having certain traits but because of the need and the thought that crime is acceptable in the society. To some, crime is the only behavior they have ever known. One may engage in crime because of being disadvantaged in the society and lacking some things, he or she feels can be achieved if one engages in crime.

The third perspective is the classical one, which is common with choice theories. With this view, crime is considered as a function of a decision-making process, and the offender can look at the costs and benefits of the act before conducting it. The person taking part in the offense looks at the available options before committing and chooses to commit the offense.

Sentencing Models for Each Perspective

The best sentencing model for people with criminal traits is the determinate sentencing. Although the method is not the best in regards to deterrence, some factors might justify the appropriateness of dealing with criminals in this category (Taylor, Walton, & Young, 2013). For instance, the definitive sentence ensures the offender has enough time to be able to learn about ways that he or she can avoid the trait leading him or her to crime (Tonry, 2014). Similarly, determinate sentencing helps in protecting the society because they are aware of when the offender will be released and will be prepared to deal with the results.

Offenders falling in the social category would benefit a lot from the indeterminate model of sentencing. The offenders analyzed to engage in crime due to social issues must learn how to fit into the society (Tonry, 2014). Research shows that offenders in this category can be trained to become better citizens, which means they should be carefully observed when in prison for elements of reform and ability to avoid crime in future (Zhang, Zhang, & Vaughn, 2014). The board should look for signs of the offender learning or acquire the skills of coping with the environment around them (Taylor, Walton, & Young, 2013). In case it is determined that the offender has reformed, they should be…