Criminology Chapter 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the major principles of the classical school of criminology?

The classical perspective sees human beings as fundamentally rational, portrays pain and pleasure as the two central determinants of human behavior, and sees punishment as necessary to deter law violators and to serve as an example.

What were some forerunners of classical thought in criminology?

The classical school grew out of Enlightenment beliefs of free will, individual choice, deterrence as a goal of the justice system, and punishment as a natural consequence of crime.

Who were the important thinkers of the classical school of criminology, and what was their legacy?

Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham were the two most important thinkers; they saw crime as providing pleasure to those who commit it and believed in punishment as the way to prevent it.

What is neoclassical criminology, and how does it differ from the classical perspective?

Neoclassical criminology is a contemporary perspective built on classical principles emphasizing the importance of character and character development, focusing on the choices people make when faced with opportunities for crime. Signup and view all the answers

How does neoclassical criminology build on the classical perspective?

It focuses on how one is brought up instead of just free will and individual choice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of punishment in neoclassical criminology?

Punishment is seen as providing both a deterrent and just deserts. Signup and view all the answers

Define just deserts.

Just desert implies that criminal offenders deserve the punishment they receive and that any criminal punishment carried out should be appropriate to the type and severity of the crime committed. Signup and view all the answers

What are the policy implications of the classical school?

Policy implications build on the idea of a rational offender punished by a system working toward the goals of crime reduction and prevention of recidivism. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of punishment might work best to prevent crime?

Determinate sentencing and truth in sentencing, as well as capital punishments, are all strategies that flow from classical school principles. Signup and view all the answers

What is determinate sentencing?

A jail or prison sentence that is definite and not subject to review by a parole board or other agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is truth in sentencing?

Truth in sentencing (TIS) is a collection of different but related public policy stances on sentencing of those convicted of crimes in the justice system. Signup and view all the answers

What is capital punishment?

The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. Signup and view all the answers

What are the shortcomings (failures) of the classical school?

Classical perspectives can be criticized for their lack of comprehensive explanatory power over criminal motivation and they lack meaningful explanations about how a choice for or against criminal activity is made. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical School of Criminology

Emphasizes rationality, with pain and pleasure as key motivators of behavior.
Advocates for punishment as a deterrent to crime and a model for society.

Forerunners of Classical Thought

Rooted in Enlightenment ideas promoting free will and individual choice.
Focuses on deterrence as a core goal of the justice system and punishment as a response to crime.

Important Thinkers

Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham are pivotal figures in classical criminology.
They viewed crime as a source of pleasure, advocating punishment to prevent criminal acts.

Neoclassical Criminology

Builds on classical principles but emphasizes character development and individual choices in criminal behavior.
Recognizes the influence of upbringing alongside the notion of free will.

Role of Punishment in Neoclassical Criminology

Punishment serves dual purposes: deterrent and just deserts, ensuring offenders receive appropriate consequences.

Just Deserts

Concept that offenders deserve punishment proportionate to their crimes.

Policy Implications

Encourages a rational approach to handling offenders, aiming for crime reduction and prevention of recidivism.

Effective Punishment Strategies

Determinate sentencing, truth in sentencing, and capital punishment align with classical principles.

Determinate Sentencing

Defined as a fixed prison sentence not subject to modification by parole boards.

Truth in Sentencing

Refers to policies promoting transparency in sentencing, ensuring offenders serve a specified amount of time.

Capital Punishment

Involves the state-sanctioned execution of individuals for serious crimes.

Shortcomings of the Classical School

Critiques include inadequate explanations for criminal motivation and the lack of depth in understanding the decision-making process behind criminal behavior.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 3 of criminology, focusing on the major principles of the classical school. It also explores the historical figures and ideas that influenced classical thought in criminology. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of these foundational concepts.