Early Crime Explanations: Spiritualism & Enlightenment
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During the period dominated by spiritualistic explanations of crime, what role did the Church primarily play in defining criminal behavior?

  • The Church advocated for lenient punishments to encourage repentance and rehabilitation.
  • The Church primarily focused on providing sanctuary for criminals, thereby reducing overall punishment.
  • The Church established the criteria for what constituted a crime, wielding significant influence over justice. (correct)
  • The Church served as a neutral mediator between the accused and the community.

Which of the following best describes the shift in focus that occurred during the Enlightenment regarding explanations of crime?

  • A transition towards rational, scientific reasoning and critical examination of societal norms. (correct)
  • A stronger emphasis on supernatural forces and demonic influences as primary causes of criminal behavior.
  • An increased reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies in court proceedings.
  • A move towards harsher, more punitive measures rooted in religious doctrine.

How did the concept of a 'social contract,' as proposed by John Locke, influence classical explanations of crime?

  • It argued that the state has unlimited power over its citizens, justifying harsh punishments for any transgression.
  • It implied that individuals give up certain freedoms in exchange for state protection, with crime representing a violation of this agreement. (correct)
  • It suggested that crime is a result of predestined fate, rather than individual choice.
  • It promoted the idea that criminals are inherently different from law-abiding citizens due to genetic factors.

What was the main implication of viewing witchcraft as a significant threat during the period of Church power?

<p>It justified severe and often lethal methods of persecution aimed at eliminating perceived threats to religious authority. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a defender use spiritualistic explanations in court today, and what is a more modern interpretation of that defence?

<p>Argue for the insanity defense, referencing the defendant's mental state. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is a cornerstone of due process, ensuring fairness and impartiality within the legal system?

<p>Innocent until proven guilty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Enlightenment period influence the development of the Classical School of criminology?

<p>By shifting the focus to science, reason, and social contract theory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What core concept defines the Positivist School's approach to understanding deviance?

<p>Deviance as sickness, pathology, or inferiority (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central tenet of determinism in the context of criminology?

<p>Behavior is influenced by factors beyond a person's control. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did advances in science and medicine influence the Positivist School of criminology?

<p>They encouraged the belief that crime could be cured like an illness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Cesare Lombroso contribute to the field of criminology?

<p>By founding the Positive School and focusing on biological factors of criminals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common, inaccurate interpretation of Darwin's Theory of Evolution used in early criminology?

<p>That criminals were less evolved than law-abiding citizens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Classical School propose to remedy deviance?

<p>Through strict deterrence measures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Cesare Beccaria, what is a fundamental requirement for a fair and just legal system?

<p>The presumption of innocence for the accused. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'hedonistic calculus' as proposed by Jeremy Bentham?

<p>A rational evaluation of pleasure versus pain to guide decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of Bentham's Panopticon design?

<p>To reduce the operational costs of prisons through self-regulation by inmates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of deterrence, what does 'celerity' refer to?

<p>The swiftness of punishment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Classical School of criminology, what is the primary cause of deviance?

<p>Free will and hedonism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Beccaria's ideas influence modern legal systems?

<p>By influencing the development of specific criminal codes and presumption of innocence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered the most important elements of deterrence?

<p>Celerity and certainty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the advent of crime statistics impact policing strategies?

<p>It enabled more informed resource allocation and targeted interventions, such as focusing on crime hotspots. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Beccaria believe that the duration of punishment was more effective than the severity as a deterrent?

<p>Duration of punishment allows for a more prolonged impact on the individual, serving as a constant reminder of the consequences of crime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'Spiritualistic' perspective on deviance?

<p>Deviance is caused by temptation, moral weakness, or evil influences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cesare Lombroso's concept of the "atavistic man" is MOST closely associated with which of the following?

<p>The idea that criminals are a degenerate throwback to an earlier stage of human evolution, identifiable by physical characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to William Sheldon's somatotype theory, which body type is MOST likely to be involved in criminal behavior, due to their aggressive nature?

<p>Mesomorph, characterized by an athletic and muscular physique. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Freudian theory, which part of the personality operates on the 'pleasure principle', seeking immediate gratification?

<p>Id (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Freudian theory, criminal behavior arises from?

<p>An uncontrolled id or an underdeveloped superego. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a contribution Freud made to the field of psychology?

<p>The theory of somatotypes and their relation to criminality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST accurate definition of the term 'psychopath'?

<p>A personality construct characterized by impaired empathy, boldness, disinhibition, and egocentrism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a direct effect of the Positive School's influence on the criminal justice system?

<p>Increased emphasis on punishment and retribution for criminal acts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the PRIMARY goal of behavioral modification as a psychotherapeutic intervention?

<p>To eliminate or reduce maladaptive behaviors through learning techniques. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the PRIMARY motivation behind the eugenics movement?

<p>To improve the human race through selective breeding and elimination of undesirable traits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which groups were often targeted by eugenic policies, particularly during the early to mid-20th century?

<p>Individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses and disabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Spiritualistic Explanations

Beliefs that demons or the devil cause criminal behavior.

Inquisition

Historical period where the church determined crime and punishment harshly.

Witch Trials

Judicial proceedings to test the guilt of suspected witches.

The Enlightenment

A movement emphasizing reason and science over tradition.

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Social Contract

The agreement among individuals to form a society and government.

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Due Process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all of the legal rights owed to a person.

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Innocent Until Proven Guilty

The principle that one is considered innocent unless proven guilty by the state.

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Classical School

A criminology perspective from the 1700-1800s focusing on free will and hedonism as causes of crime.

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Positive School

A criminology perspective from the 1800-1900s that treats crime as a sickness needing treatment or elimination.

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Positivism

The use of scientific methods to explain human behavior, including criminal acts.

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Determinism

The theory that behavior is determined by factors beyond an individual's control, such as genetics.

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Cesare Lombroso

The 'father of modern criminology,' who linked physical characteristics to criminal behavior.

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Darwin's Theory of Evolution

The idea that species evolve over time, impacting societal views of advancement among criminals and non-criminals.

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Atavistic Man

A concept suggesting physical traits can indicate criminality, introduced by Lombroso.

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Stigmata

Physical features associated with higher criminality, like tattoos and jaw shape.

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Somatotypes

William Sheldon’s theory that body types can predict behavior: ectomorph, endomorph, mesomorph.

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Ectomorph

A lean body type; introverted and less likely to engage in crime.

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Endomorph

A body type that is extroverted, enjoys luxury, and is charming, but less likely to commit crimes.

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Mesomorph

An athletic, muscular build; more aggressive and likely to engage in criminal behavior.

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Freud's Id

The part of personality that seeks immediate pleasure and satisfaction.

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Superego

The part of personality that acts as a moral compass, regulating behavior according to societal standards.

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Psychoanalysis

A therapy framework developed by Freud focusing on unconscious influences on behavior.

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Eugenics

A controversial belief in selective breeding to improve societal traits, targeting 'unfit' individuals.

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Spiritualistic Perspective

Deviance seen as evil caused by temptation and moral weakness, treated with exorcism or torture.

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Classical Perspective

Deviance viewed as violation of social contract; caused by free will, treated by deterrence.

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Cesare Beccaria

Philosopher advocating against death penalty and torture; emphasized presumption of innocence.

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Presumption of Innocence

Principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Hedonistic Calculus

Concept by Jeremy Bentham; individuals weigh pleasure against pain before acting.

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Deterrence

Strategy to discourage criminal behavior through punishment seen as unpleasant.

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Celerity

Swiftness of punishment; connects crime to consequences quickly.

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Certainty

Likelihood that a crime will result in punishment; increases deterrence.

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Severity of Punishment

Must be significant enough to deter future crimes without being excessive.

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Bentham's Panopticon

Design for prison where guards can observe inmates without them knowing, enhancing self-policing.

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Study Notes

Early Explanations of Crime

  • Early explanations of crime centered around spiritualistic beliefs, attributing criminal acts to the devil or other supernatural forces.
  • The rise of the Church played a crucial role in determining what constituted a crime and influencing societal views on criminal behavior.
  • Methods like the Inquisition were used to punish criminals based on religious doctrine.
  • These early explanations often involved concepts of mental illness and the need for treatment.

Witchcraft and Witch Burnings

  • The Church considered witchcraft a serious threat.
  • People accused of witchcraft were often subjected to trials and, if found guilty, punishment, often by burning.
  • The process of determining guilt or innocence often involved dubious methods, such as throwing a person into water—a surviving person deemed innocent.
  • Thousands were burned across Europe during periods when the Church held significant power.

The Enlightenment and the Social Contract

  • The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, brought about a shift in thinking about crime and punishment.
  • Focus on reason, science, and critical analysis of religious or superstitious interpretations of criminality.
  • Philosophers like John Locke emphasized the social contract, positing that individuals agree to certain limits on their actions in exchange for protection from the state.

Classical School of Criminology

  • Cesare Beccaria, a key figure in the classical school, argued for a more just and rational criminal justice system.
  • His ideas emphasized the concepts of deterrence and punishment proportionality—making penalties fit the crime.
  • Beccaria promoted the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and opposed torture.
  • He focused on ensuring that punishments were severe enough to deter would-be criminals, but the severity should be commensurate with the crime.

Positivist School of Criminology

  • Positivist theories, emerging later, emphasized the study of crime as a social phenomenon, with a focus on identifying causes rather than just punishments.
  • The Positive school explored issues like crime due to bad genes and social factors.
  • Key figures like Cesare Lombroso linked criminal behavior to physical traits and biological deficiencies.
  • This era emphasized the need for rehabilitation and treatment instead of solely punishing criminals.
  • Early positivists investigated how criminals could be different and why they commit crimes—exploring their physical characteristics and other human attributes that cause them to deviate from acceptable standards of behavior.

The Nature of a Psychopath

  • A psychopath is a person who suffers from personality problems and has impaired empathy, remorse, and impulsivity/ lack of impulse control.
  • Often, psychopaths present with boldness, disinhibition and egocentric tendencies and may not be criminals.

Eugenics

  • Attempts to deal with social problems through selective breeding; considered those with certain perceived negative characteristics "genetically unfit".
  • Eugenical methods in the 20th century included forced sterilization.
  • These approaches were often racially motivated and aimed disproportionately at marginalized groups.

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Description

An overview of early crime theories, including spiritualistic beliefs, witchcraft, and the Church's role. It contrasts these with the Enlightenment's influence and social contract theories. Witchcraft trials and punishments as early methods of justice are explored.

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