Criminology Term 2: Classicism and Positivism

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of classicism?

Classicist criminology is an approach that looks at the idea of rational action and free will.

What is the definition of biological positivism?

Biological positivism is a theory that assigns individual characteristics and behavior to biological factors.

What is a theory?

A set of explanatory statements, accepted principles and methods of analysis.

What are Walklate's (2007) 3 recurrent themes in criminological theory?

<ol> <li>A concern with the behavior of criminals, 2) A concern with the criminality of behavior, 3) A concern with the criminality of the state.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Who are the three main proponents of classicism?

Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham and John Howard. Signup and view all the answers

What context was Classicism embedded in?

The Enlightenment period. Signup and view all the answers

What is a social contract?

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What is social contract theory?

A theory concerning the legitimacy of state authority over the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What did Hobbes suggest social contract theory avoided?

A 'war of each against all'. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key tenets of classicism?

Establishment of a reformed, equitable and efficient system of justice; Creation of a fairer, better regulated social order; and more. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Beccaria and what is his school of thought?

Cesare Beccaria applied utilitarian principles to crime in his work 'On Crimes and Punishments'. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jeremy Bentham?

A proponent of utilitarianism who aimed for 'greatest happiness for the greatest number'. Signup and view all the answers

What are Beccaria's 7 Principles to ensure a fair and just criminal justice system?

<ol> <li>Role of legislature is to define crimes and specific punishments; 2. Judges should not use discretion; and more.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Who is John Howard?

An English reformer of public health and prisons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Panopticon?

A building designed to allow a single watchman to observe inmates without them knowing. Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Jeremy Bentham to develop the Panopticon?

The idea of perceived constant surveillance encouraging people to consider their actions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classicism

Focuses on rational action and free will established in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Aims to create a legitimate criminal justice system based on equality for all individuals.

Biological Positivism

Attributes criminal behavior to biological factors such as genetic or chemical anomalies.
Suggests that these abnormalities can lead to actions that violate social norms.

Criminological Theory

Comprises a collection of explanatory statements and accepted principles analyzing crime.
Seeks to explain and interpret various aspects of criminal behavior.

Walklate's Recurrent Themes

Examines criminal behavior from individual perspectives.
Investigates the societal understanding of what constitutes criminal actions.
Analyzes the concept of state criminality and its implications.

Main Proponents of Classicism

Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, and John Howard are key figures in classicist criminology.

Context of Classicism

Rooted in the Enlightenment period along with the rise of social contract theorists.
Transitioned from supernatural explanations of crime to rational, systematic approaches.

Refers to an implicit agreement among society members aimed at collective social benefits.

Originated during the Enlightenment, questioning the legitimacy of state power over individuals.
Proposes that individuals forfeit certain freedoms for the common good.

Hobbes' Contribution

Argues that social contract theory prevents a chaotic "war of each against all".

Key Tenets of Classicism

Advocates for a reformed, equitable justice system and regulated social order.
Utilizes utilitarianism principles that view individuals as rational decision-makers.
Emphasizes deterrence of crime rather than offender rehabilitation.

Cesare Beccaria

Laid the foundation for the Classical School in his work "On Crimes and Punishments".
Believed in balancing the pleasure of crime with necessary pain through punishment.

Jeremy Bentham

Championed utilitarianism, advocating for the maximum happiness for the majority.
Introduced the hedonistic calculus to assess pain versus pleasure.

Beccaria's Principles for Justice

Legislative authority should define crimes and their punishments.
Judges must not exercise discretion; judgments must focus on the crime's severity.
Advocates proportional, prompt punishments and emphasizes the certainty of consequences.

John Howard

A reformer in public health and prison systems; transformed jail conditions through inspections.

Beccaria's Quote on Punishment

Emphasized that punishment must be public, prompt, necessary, proportional, dictated by laws, and minimize violence against citizens.

Panopticon

Design enabling a single guard to observe inmates without them knowing if they are being watched.

Bentham's Panopticon Inspiration

The notion that constant surveillance would encourage individuals to regulate their behavior out of fear of punishment.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of classicism and biological positivism in criminology through these flashcards. Learn about the foundations laid in the 18th and early 19th centuries that shaped modern criminal justice systems focusing on rational action and equality.