"Juvenile Delinquency Interventions"

• Think about the following questions: Do rational people commit crimes? Do they choose to commit a crime? Are they intelligent? Do they aim to maximize pleasure and minimize pain? If someone believes all of these questions they most likely would agree with choice theories. Speculate on the school of criminology choice theories are derived from. Next, based on your selection of school of criminology, debate whether or not you agree with these theories. Justify your response.
• A number of studies have been undertaken which show a very real connection between delinquent and /or criminal behavior, and single parent families. Wright and Wright's (1994) research shows that single parent families, and in particular mother-only families, produce more delinquent children than two parent families. Indeed the very absence of intact families makes gang membership more appealing (Muehlenberg 2002). Based on this information, discuss whether or not you believe these statements are true or false. Provide support for your response.