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Myths abound about crime rates and law-breaking.  In fact, some kinds of crime are going down and others are probably going up.  A more interesting question is why so many people obey the law most of the time.  In this episode we look at the main theories about legal obedience. 

There is a legitimacy theory, that if people think their society is fair they are less likely to break its law.  

Economists, however, argue that it is a cost-benefit equation.  If the cost of breaking the law exceeds the benefit, people rationally will break it.  

Criminologists argue it is about levels of self-control and impetuousness in the face of opportunity.

Maybe there is some merit in all these approaches, but perhaps the legitimacy theory has the most explanatory power.

Listen to the Two Steves agonise about all this, whilst having a dig at politicians, only to happily conclude that we might still be asking the wrong questions.

For more information about your dashing hosts and the Law in Context podcast series visit our website at About - Law in Context