The papers will be judged based upon the quality of the author’s economic analysis and presentation of that analysis. Apply economic concepts to some issue involving crime. Such topics often involve some type of debate in which the student should acknowledge arguments on both sides of an issue while reaching a clear conclusion about where he or she stands and why.
The use of economic analysis in presenting the argument on both sides of the issue, as well as in reaching a conclusion, is essential to writing a successful paper.
Put it into the context of the Economic Model of Criminal Behavior. What are the benefits? What are the costs? How does the bank robber attempt to increase the benefits and reduce the costs? How do banks try to reduce benefits and raise costs for bank robbers? With regard to account holders, is there a cost? Are their deposits insured? Don’t confuse costs with transfers.
