Interpretation of the Crime of Theft in the Light of the Theory of Rational Choice

Objectives: The study aimed to explain the crime of theft in the light of the theory of rational choice. Methods: the study used the social survey method to collect data from a sample of 181 inmates. They study conducted a field study on inmates in Jordan's correction and rehabilitation centers. Results: The study found a moderate effect of initial engagement, criminal incidents, and continuous indulgence in committing the crime of theft. The study also revealed statistically significant differences between the viewpoints of the study sample regarding the level of influence of initial engagement and the criminal incident based on gender and age. Conclusions: The study recommends the necessity to achieve social justice through the development of legal systems by the legislative authority. The study also recommends the importance of strengthening the complementary function of the police, as they are the competent authority for the protection of public and private property and the implementation of the law.