Digital Crime Theories

Digital crime theories
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In explaining the causes of digital crime, the choice theory has been applied since it accrued on the essential views of classical criminology that affirm that individuals freely decide their behavior plus are aggravated by the evasion of pain as well as the pursuit of pleasure (Walklate, 2007). Furthermore, people assess their choice of activities according to each action’s capability to give an advantage, fulfillment and happiness. Choice theory offers a micro outlook on why criminals decide to commit certain crimes where individuals commit crime because it may be rewarding, easy and exciting (Bryant & Bryant, 2014). The focal point of this theory is that individuals are rational humans whose actions can be changed or controlled through a dread of punishment. Therefore, criminals can be pleaded to stop crime by intensifying their dread of punishment. The theory also affirms that sanction ought to be confined to what is essential to prevent individuals from choosing crime.
Choice theory
The choice theory is based on a utilitarian dogma that actions are accrued on a conscious assessment of the function of performing in a particular manner (Bryant & Bryant, 2014). This outlook supposes that a crime is an individual choice and the outcome of personal decision-making procedures. Therefore, people are accountable for their choices and individual offenders are to be blamed for their offences. Furthermore, before committing an offence, the offender reasons and weighs options the odds of being caught, the strictness of the expected punishment, plus the value attained by doing the act. As a result, the criminal may choose not to commit a digital crime if the costs are extreme, the crime is too risky and the benefits are less.
Deterrence theory
According to the deterrence theory, a person’s choice is inclined by the dread of punishment. In this case, deterrence refers to that act of stopping a criminal activity before it happens, by the threat of penalties and sanctions (Bryant & Bryant, 2014). Deterrence theory emphasizes on these two grounds- first, for sentence to be a hindrance to criminal acts, it should be definite, quick plus severe and second, the severity should be enough to overshadow any benefits that the offender may get from an offence (Walklate, 2007). From a deterrence outlook, one could assume hypothetically, that digital crimes are high because many cybercrime offenders believe that law enforcers will not arrest them despite ...