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  • Textbook
  • © 2005

Criminal Dilemmas

Understanding and Preventing Crime

Authors:

  • An analysis of criminal behavior from the perspectives of rational choice theory
  • Leading to suggestions for criminal policy
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Studies in Economic Theory (ECON.THEORY, volume 12)

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxi
  2. Private Prisons

    Pages 35-47
  3. Prostitution

    Pages 49-74
  4. Drugs

    Pages 75-107
  5. Gangs

    Pages 109-129
  6. Gun Control

    Pages 131-169
  7. Police

    Pages 171-180
  8. Back Matter

    Pages 181-199

About this book

Fighting crime breeds emotional responses which often lead to counter-productive government policy. To allow a rational analysis of these important concerns, this book employs the thinking of economics, political science, and game theory to develop new perspectives on crime and its causes. A basic assumption is that the criminal is a rational actor who makes decisions based on his or her personal expected gains and costs. By using this assumption, predictions about behaviour as well as emotional concerns such as prostitution and gun control are given a theoretical perspective. By understanding the strategic variables which cause, for example, gang wars and drug sales, we are better equipped to design effective public policy.

In the new edition, a chapter on police corruption has been added. The Gangs chapter has been updated and focuses more on evaluating competing hypotheses about gang organization and activity.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Department of Political Science, Binghamton University, Binghamton, USA

    Katri K. Sieberg

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access