This week has covered several theories of crime causation including Rational Choice Theory, Trait Theory, and the Developmental Theories; Life Course, Propensity, and Trajectory. Select one of these theories that you feel best describes why crime occurs, and write a well-constructed, one page essay (500+ words) explaining how this theory applies to crime and criminals. What causes criminals to act and therefore crimes to occur? Please provide any examples you feel exemplify your argument, but be sure to cite and reference the article where you retrieve information regarding your example.

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Trait theory is constituted by two approaches which include biological theory and psychological traits. Biological traits are hereditary, meaning that they are passed from parents to offspring. For instance, if a parent was a criminal, there are high chances that a child will engage in criminal behavior. According to the study that was undertaken by Cambridge, most deliquescent youths had criminal fathers. According to Agnew, Brezina, Wright, and Cullen (2002), the trait theory posits that some people with certain personality characteristics are predisposed to crime. The approach was developed by Michael Lombroso who based his arguments on Charles Darwin theory of evolution…

 

(600 words)