Classical School Of Criminology
Classical School of Criminology
Abstract
Theories about crime and criminals tend to be complex theories and are based on what we know from research on crime and criminals. The criminal theories vary from scientific theories as scientific theories can be proven as factual and criminal theories are never proven; but a part of every day life (Williams 2004). The author of this paper discusses the Classical School of Criminology beliefs and its founders. The author of the paper also briefly discusses the problem solving techniques the Classical School of Criminology believes to be necessary, fair, and successful.
Classical School of Criminology
Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham had a large influence on the conceptions of crime and criminal justice which are known as the Classical School of Criminology Theories (Williams 2004). The Classical School in Criminology came about during the Enlightenment period which is often closely linked with the Scientific Revolution as both movements focused on reason and rationality (Wikipedia 2007). The combination of Becaria and Bentham’s beliefs helped form the theories categorized as the Classical School of Criminology today.
Cesare Beccaria influenced the Classical School in Criminology with his three main beliefs. Beccaria believed that all individuals have freewill and a rational manner. Secondly, he believed that individuals do what satisfies them and they do so with a rational and logical frame of mind. People who look out for their best interest will either participate in criminal activity or try to prevent criminal activity allowing for a clash of interest hence the need for social order and government control. Last but not least Beccaria assumed human actions were predictable, generalable, and controllable because people are motivated by self interest (Roshier 1989).
Jeremy Bentham, an English philosopher, and legal social reformer influenced the classical theories through his writings and teachings to his...
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