CriminologyLesson 1 of 4 in the course Classical and positivist criminology

Classical Criminology: Enlightenment Reform, Deterrence, and Neo-Classicism

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The classical school of criminology emerged during the Enlightenment, when thinkers challenged arbitrary authority and sought rational, fair systems of law. This lesson introduces the conditions that prompted reform and the social-contract ideas that shaped classical thinking.

Before Enlightenment reforms gained influence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, European justice systems were often inconsistent and harsh. Legal decisions could be affected by poorly trained judges, corruption, political manipulation, and capricious judgment. Practices such as torture to obtain confessions, whipping, mutilation, and public execution were commonplace.

All flashcards

Beccaria’s reform programme
A call for clear, simple laws and limited, proportionate punishment.
Certainty of punishment
The expectation that offenses will reliably be detected and punished, which Beccaria considered more deterrent than extreme severity.
Punishment creep
The gradual expansion of severe penalties to cover an increasing number of offenses.
Utilitarianism in criminal justice
Judging punishment by its consequences and its contribution to overall social benefit.
Neo-classical criminology
An approach retaining rational choice while recognizing that people differ in their capacity for rational decision-making.

Quiz questions

  1. According to Beccaria, what feature could deter crime more effectively than extreme severity?Answer: Reliable detection and punishment
  2. In Beccaria’s account, whom does specific deterrence aim to influence?Answer: The convicted person, to discourage reoffending
  3. What utilitarian principle did Bentham apply to criminal justice?Answer: Promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number
  4. Which limitation of the rational-actor model is identified in classical criminology?Answer: Some offenses are spontaneous rather than carefully calculated.
  5. What did neo-classical thinkers recognize about rational decision-making?Answer: People may differ in their capacity for rational choice.

Based on the Wikipedia article Classical school (criminology), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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