Discussion Post

Routine Activity Theory (RAT) is often described as a theory of victimization. We, as humans, usually feel more or less safe depending on our general routine activities. For instance, if you are traveling somewhere new, do you ask where to go, where to stay away from? Similarly, according to lifestyle theory of victimization, the probability of suffering a personal victimization is a function of lifestyle (the way a person lives). After reading the information on your book about the two theories – routine activities theory and lifestyle theory of victimization:

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1. Use routine activities theory and/or lifestyle theory of victimization to explain a highly publicized criminal case. In your response, please make include a discussion on the social patterns of crime. Also, as applicable, make sure to discuss RAT concepts (suitability, guardianship, offender motivation) and the fact that demographic characteristics (age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity) also determine victimization risk through their effect on lifestyle. 

Additionally, look for a peer-reviewed journal article* that tests a hypothesis/research question related to your example and share with us key points about the article.

*Please see the “Guidelines for Discussion Posts” to find more information on how to find pee-reviewed journal articles

2. The violent shooting incident (often referred to as the “Virginia Tech Massacre) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2007 led to enormous controversy and led many critics to insist on elevated security at our nation’s educational institutions. The media was severely criticized for airing the perpetrator’s “multimedia manifesto.” I have included below a portion of a story that was aired by NBC News.

IMPORTANT: Due to its graphic nature, you are not required to watch. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Please provide a discussion by responding to the following questions: Do you think is a good thing or a bad thing that the public knows more about the lives and social characteristics of violent killers? Does the public need to know more about mass murder, or are people better off NOT knowing the details of these crimes?

discussion post

Review the discussion question (provided below) on Rule 403 and post your answer on the discussionboard. Thenreadandcommentonpostsleftbyatleasttwootherstudents(keepitcivil). Your comments are meant to be critiques; I will not accept “I agree with what she said.” Give the post some consideration and write a thoughtful answer (a paragraph at least).

Clearly and concisely answer the question and justify your answer (5pts)

250 word Maximum.

Post your answer on the discussion board (you will have to create a new thread). Due

Wednesday, September 14th, by Midnight CST.

Read at least two posts by other students, and leave a comment. Due on September 16th, 5pm CST. (2.5 pts each).

September 2016. Calypso Gallagher is on trial for burning four new Chevrolet Suburbans (Large SUVs). The police have Calypso’s fingerprints on three of the vehicles that were burned and introduced that evidence at trial. Calypso’s boyfriend has testified that Calypso test-drove several Chevrolet SUVs the morning before the fire, and that her fingerprints were there all along. A salesman for the Chevrolet dealership confirms that he showed Calypso several SUVs that morning. Calypso testified in her own defense that she test drove several Suburbans, but did not set fire to any of them—she just wanted a new car and the police have the wrong woman. Decide whether the prosecutor will be allowed to bring in the following evidence, and justify your answers.

Evidence that Calypso is a former member (from 1999 to 2002) of the Earth first, an environmental organization with ties to the Earth Liberation Front, which is an eco-terrorism organization.

Evidence that Calypso is a Zoroastrian, an adherent to a non-Christian religious group that sees fire as a healing, cleansing, and purifying element.

Evidence that Calypso was convicted of assault and aggravated battery in 2006 after beating a woman, who was wearing a fur coat, with a club and threatening the burn her house down.