Criminoloy
History of Criminology
Classical – The theoretical perspective suggesting that:
{1} people have free will to choose criminal or conventional behaviors.
{2} people choose to commit crime for reasons of greed or personal need.
{3} crime can be controlled only by the fear of criminal sanctions.
Originating in the eighteenth centuries, philosophers based the classicism views upon principles of rationality, choice, responsibility, and the deterrent power of punishment. Classism was criticized for not taking account of circumstances either of the offender, or in which the offence itself was committed. The work of Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794}, believed in the concept of utilitarianism. The view that people’s behavior is motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Crimes occur when the potential pleasure and reward from illegal acts outweigh the likely pains of punishments. He was famous for punishments to be effective and it must be in public view, prompt, and necessary. Today his writings are referred to classical criminology theories. Here are a few of his theories:
People had free will to choose criminal or lawful way out to meet their needs or settle their own problems.
Criminal solutions are more eye-catching than lawful ones less work better pay offs.
They had choices of what fear of punishments they can endure.
The more severe, swift, certain the punishment the better is was to control criminal behavior.
Judicial philosophy and sentences were to be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime. Executions were still employed for only the most severity of the crime.
Siegel/Senna (2007-2008). Crime and Criminology Chapter 1. In (3rd.Ed.),
Criminology: The Core (pp.2-3). : .
Positivism – The branch of social science that uses the scientific method of the...
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