Explaining Andrea Yate

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the etiology of the Andrea Yates child killings (using rational choice theory), the ability of rational choice theory to predict and deter such activities, and what the criminal system should do with such a person. The paper also explores why Andrea Yates should not be let lightly off the hook for her actions. Furthermore, the paper explains why the aforementioned theory is the best one available with regards to explaining her behavior.

From the Paper:

"The following paper will use Ronald Akers' Rational Choice theory to explain the actions of Andrea Yates, the Texas mother who drowned her five children five years ago. While Akers' theory at first appears to be incongruous with Yates' actions, a legitimate case can be made that she acted rationally and fully aware of what she was doing when she took the lives of her children. In any event, the paper will employ why the incident took place, how the Akers' theory of rational choice can be used to predict and prevent the likelihood of a similar crime occurring in the future, and it will offer suggestions on how the rational choice theory can be used to ensure a proper sentencing and treatment for this individual within the criminal justice system. "

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