07-04-2017, 06:00 AM
The term sociopathy is really more appropriate for serious violent crimes, violence done gratuitously. (And arguably it does not benefit the criminal in most cases. Think psychopathic.) Fortunately these crimes are rare, especially in Hawaii.
The theft so frequent here is common behavior worldwide. It is pragmatic; people are ineffective at making money; they find it far easier to take it. (Or they want more money.) These people are making a calculation involving the risk of apprehension and punishment. (And they generally hope to avoid contact with victims; mugging is rare in Hawaii.)
Rehabilitation has a mixed record for thieves; the appeal to “do right” only works sometimes, especially as people get older. Age is the great mellower. Mostly, especially with young men, deterrence is needed: If we catch you punishment will be strict (retribution.)
If you have a state and people are regularly able to amass more than 8-10 theft convictions, punishment is not strict.
The theft so frequent here is common behavior worldwide. It is pragmatic; people are ineffective at making money; they find it far easier to take it. (Or they want more money.) These people are making a calculation involving the risk of apprehension and punishment. (And they generally hope to avoid contact with victims; mugging is rare in Hawaii.)
Rehabilitation has a mixed record for thieves; the appeal to “do right” only works sometimes, especially as people get older. Age is the great mellower. Mostly, especially with young men, deterrence is needed: If we catch you punishment will be strict (retribution.)
If you have a state and people are regularly able to amass more than 8-10 theft convictions, punishment is not strict.