In the following scenario, you will act in the role of a police officer who is dealing with a juvenile. This juvenile is out past curfew. Curfew violations are a city ordinance, and police officers may make an arrest in this situation or decide to handle the offense less formally.

• What factors would contribute to your exercising discretion in this scenario?
• According to rational choice theory, individuals consciously weigh the risk and reward of an action before they break the law. If you subscribe to rational choice theory, would there be a reason to use discretion in this circumstance?
• In understanding conflict theory, discuss how this impacts the officer’s decision to arrest or not arrest individuals based on social class.

In responding to these questions, refer to the following resources:

• What Is the Sequence of Events in the Criminal Justice System?
• Policing, young people, diversion and accountability in Ireland
• Criminological Theories Defined
• Rational Choice, Deterrence, and Social Learning Theory in Criminology: The Path Not Taken
• Conflict Theory