The Classical Theory of Criminology

Criminological theories have emerged to understand the underlying factors that affect criminal behavior. The classical theory of criminology, which emerged in the 18th century, is the first theoretical analysis of the causes of crime. Italian nobleman Cesare Beccaria and British philosopher Jeremy Bentham were the prominent figures of the classical school, with Beccaria considered the father of classical criminology.

Beccaria's book "Crimes and Punishment" is the manifesto for the reform of judicial and penal systems throughout Europe. He believed that laws should preserve public safety and order, not avenge crime. Beccaria argued that punishment should fit the crime, be identical for identical crimes, and be applied without reference to social status. He also championed the abolition of the death penalty and the cause of merciful punishments.

Beccaria believed that criminals made calculated decisions about what behavior to engage in, and criminal behavior is in the mind of the perpetrator. Crimes are not caused by demons or manipulated by some inhuman force; they are committed after thinking and weighing. He argued that if the satisfaction of committing the crime is less than the punishment given for it, the person will not commit the crime.

Jeremy Bentham's philosophy of social control was based on the principle of utility, which prescribed "the greatest happiness for the greatest number." He believed that the legislature should promulgate laws aimed at maximizing the pleasure and minimizing the pain of the largest number in society.

The classical school introduced principles relevant to crimes, criminality, and punishments, such as imposing punishment according to law, not interpreting the laws, punishment based on pleasure or pain, punishment based on the act, not the actor, and treating all people equally. Classical theorists believed that rational people act out of free will, make calculated decisions about their behavior, and weigh the costs and benefits of an act to decide how to proceed.

In conclusion, classical criminology played a crucial role in shaping the modern criminal justice system. The principles established by Beccaria and Bentham laid the foundation for the development of modern criminology theories and practices, emphasizing rationality, proportionality, and fairness in crime and punishment.

Comments

Understanding the Theory of Subculture: How Delinquent Subcultures Form and Function

Subculture refers to an organized set of values, norms, beliefs, and attitudes that have become a traditional way of life among certain segments of a population. Delinquent subcultures, on the other hand, are those where anti-social behavior is required by the norms of the group. In 1955, Albert Cohen proposed a theory of delinquency in his book "Delinquent Boys," which sought to explain the origin and functions of delinquent subcultures. According to Cohen's theory, delinquency is not inborn or something the individual contrives on their own. Instead, individuals learn to become delinquent by interacting with others who share this pattern. Delinquent patterns are acquired by becoming a member of a group where delinquency is already an established pattern and is required by the norms of the group. Cohen believed that the delinquent subculture develops as a response and solution to the problem of "status frustration," which occurs because of socialization. Social...

What is it meant by “Drugs”?

It is needless to say that the term ‘drug’ is a conversational topic in current society. It is because of the unavoidable disaster happening to the society due to illicit drugs. Geetanjali Nagpal , Amy Winehouse , Whitney Houston , Matthew Perry like celebrities can be taken as instance to prove this. Simply, drug is any substance that, when inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed, absorbed via a patch on the skin, or dissolved under the tongue causes a physiological and often psychological change in the body. Unfortunately, there is a common misinterpretation among society that drugs mean only illegal substances that intoxicate people. In order to solve this issue, it is useful to clarify what really drugs are. According to the WHO, “A drug is any substance or product that is used or intended to be used to modify or explore physiological systems or pathological states for the benefit of the patient” . This definition mentions three characteristics of ...

Magic Mushrooms: Effects, History, and Risks

Magic mushrooms, also known as Psilocybin, are a type of psychedelic drug that contains a natural psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are categorized as serotonergic hallucinogens, which change an individual's perception and mood by affecting cognitive processes. Magic mushrooms are classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a Schedule I drug, which means they have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical treatment in the US, and have a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Some common names for magic mushrooms include Shrooms, Mushies, Blue Meanies, Golden Tops, Liberty Caps, Philosopher's Stones, Liberties, Amani, and Agaric. Magic mushrooms are usually prepared by drying, although they can also be eaten freshly picked or mixed with food or drink. They can even be smoked, mixed with cannabis or tobacco. They can also be found in dried capsules or liquid. When psilocybin is taken, it is converted in th...

Beyond Borders

Search This Blog