There are many different theories that have been proposed to explain criminal behavior and inform the development of criminal law. Some of the most influential and widely studied theories include:
Deterrence theory
Rational choice theory
Psychological and sociological theories
Biological theories
Environmental theories
These are just a few examples of the many different theories that have been proposed to explain criminal behaviour and inform the development of the criminal justice system. No single theory is universally accepted as the definitive explanation for all criminal behaviour, and many theories have been developed to address specific types of crime or to focus on particular aspects of the criminal justice system.
In addition, some theories may be more relevant or applicable to certain types of crime or criminal justice contexts than others. As a result, it is difficult to give a precise count of the number of theories that have been proposed in the field of criminal justice.