Introduction
In every given country in the world, there are set rules and regulations that have been set to control and regulate the activities of individuals. This is done to protect the rights and properties of individuals and the state. Crime is an act that results from the breach of these laws (Cote, 2002). For an action to amount to crime, there has to be a breach of law followed by the administration of punishment by the state to the accused. There are a number of factors behind any criminal activity. It is due to this fact that several theories have been advanced to determine the nature, extent, cause and impacts of crime to an individual and the society at large. In this respect therefore, this paper shall focus on murder, analyze several theories that can be used to describe this crime and finally conclude on the importance of theories in criminology.
The Crime
On the night of October 28th 1993, Willie Earl Pondexter, His cousin, James Lee Henderson and two other men broke into the house of Martha Lennox in Clarksville, Texas. Once inside the house, the men climb up the stairs to Marthas room. Having ransacked the house, taken money from her purse and the car keys, they commence on a game of who has the guts to shoot her dead. Henderson took the gun first and shot Martha on her head. She died instantly. Henderson gave Willie the gun who shot Martha through the jaw.
The United States of America has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. However, this rate is declining. In 1991, the homicide rate in USA was 9.8 per 100,000 but this has declined to 4.2 per 100,000 by 2010. In about one third of these crimes, the relationship between the victim and the offender was not determined, 14% were acquaintances and 15% were spouses. This crime has had severe impact in the United States and other countries in the world.
Rational Choice Theory
Rational choice theory is one of the theories that fall under the bracket of individual theories of crime. In rational choice theory, it is believed that when an individual commits a crime, he/she weighs the costs and risks that he/she may go through versus the benefits that he/she will get after committing a crime (Cote, 2002). In this case, Willie and his friends broke into Marthas house, stole money from her purse and ran away with her car. Therefore, from a rational point of view, they benefited from the car and money they got from her purse.
Trait Theory
In trait theory, it is believed that the harsh treatment, punishment and brutality that individuals get at a young age may lead them into committing violent crimes in future (Cote, 2002). As a child, Willie would be punished by his mother for wrongdoing by being scalded with hot coffee. Such a punishment may instil affect his psychology and mental stability hence leading him to commit violent crimes, this being one of them.
Social Structure Theory
In this theory, an individual may turn into crime as a result of the impact that he/she has received from the community (Cote, 2002). Social strain is one of the theories under this bracket. According to this theory, individuals within a society tend to live according to the mainstream culture that in most times is associated with wealth and prosperity (Cote, 2002). However, there are those who will not achieve this dream thus to survive they may join gangs, do drugs and be involved in other social ills. Willie, coming from a poor home was brought up in a gang related neighbourhood. This may have led him into becoming a member of these groups and hence committing the crime.
Conclusion
The theory that best describes this crime is the social strain theory. The fact that Willie, come from a broken home, a dangerous neighbourhood and dropped out of school created a conducive environment for him to join gangs and ultimately committing the crime. This case study thus proves that the application of theories is essential in criminology as it gives one an idea of what may have led someone to commit a crime. Thus, it is essential for the for the justice system to check the background of an individual involved in such crimes.
Reference
Cote, S. (2002). Criminology Theories: Bridging the Past and the Future. London: Sage