Neo-Classical Criminology Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary political reaction to perceptions of crime and recidivism?

Reducing the prison population

Increased policing and stiffer penalties (correct)

Increased funding for rehabilitation programs

Promoting community service as punishment

Which concept did the neo-classical school emphasize in the treatment of offenders?

Individualization of treatment based on circumstances (correct)

Punishment should always be severe and certain

All offenders should receive the same sentence

Deterrence is the only goal of punishment

According to neo-classical criminology, how should psychopathic offenders be treated?

Without regard to their mental conditions

With harsher penalties to deter future crimes

With the same penalties as first-time offenders

With mitigation of equal punishment (correct)

What fundamental assumption underlies the neo-classical perspective on criminal behavior?

Men are self-determining and responsible for their actions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes first offenders from recidivists in the neo-classical school?

Their circumstances and mental state Signup and view all the answers

In the context of deterrence, what does the neo-classical theory suggest about punishment?

Punishment should fit the mental capacity of the offender Signup and view all the answers

How does the neo-classical school view individual responsibility?

Mental impairments should mitigate responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the basic goals of punishment according to neo-classical theorists?

Balancing social utility with individual circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary belief of the Classical school of thought regarding decision-making?

People have free will in making decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is credited as a pioneer of modern criminology within the Classical school?

Cesare Beccaria Signup and view all the answers

How did the Classical school of thought view the role of punishment?

Punishment serves as a deterrent when it is proportional and prompt. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Classical school, what should be the main focus in determining criminality?

The act committed by the individual Signup and view all the answers

What did the Classical school propose regarding the formulation of criminal justice systems?

A well-defined criminal code was necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What does the hedonistic principle emphasize in relation to crime and punishment?

Individuals derive pleasure from committing crimes, which should be considered in justice. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Classical school view the individualization of punishment?

Individualization of punishment should consider the pleasure the criminal seeks. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept was deemed more significant by the Classical school than punishment itself?

The prevention of crime Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Classical School of criminology?

Rational choice and the equality of laws Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered a leading theorist of the Classical School of criminology?

Cesare Beccaria Signup and view all the answers

Which principle did Beccaria and Bentham both argue regarding punishment?

Punishments should fit the crime and be proportional Signup and view all the answers

What societal issues prompted the emergence of the Classical School in the late 18th century?

Cruel and arbitrary penal systems and unequal law application Signup and view all the answers

What theory suggests that people make rational choices to maximize pleasure and minimize pain?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect differentiates the Classical School from the Neo-Classical School of criminology?

The Neo-Classical School considers individual circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What was a criticism faced by the legal punishments established by the Classical School?

They ignored the social contexts of crimes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most aligned with the Classical School's view on crime and punishment?

Laws must have clear, consistent consequences for all Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Section One: Introduction

Criminology is the scientific study of crime causation, correction, and prevention.
It's a social science that examines crime as both an individual and social phenomenon.
Criminological research encompasses crime rates, forms, causes, and consequences.
It also includes social and governmental responses to crime, drawing on sociology, psychology, and law.
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field, incorporating various behavioral and natural sciences.
A key goal of criminology is developing precise theories testable through data collection.
Subdivisions include penology (prisons), biocriminology (biological basis), feminist criminology (women and crime) and criminalistics (forensics).
Biocriminology focuses on the biological basis for crime.
Criminology played a key role in reforming criminal law and the justice system, influencing legislation, court decisions, and correctional practices.

Section One: Definitions of Important Terms

Deviance: Violation of social norms, often including criminal acts.
Delinquency: Failure to uphold laws or duties in minor ways, frequently referring to juveniles.
Juvenile Delinquency: Criminal acts committed by juveniles (usually under 18).
Crime: An act or omission prohibited by criminal law, punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or other penalties.

Section One: Historical Development of Criminology

Early human thought about crime was dominated by religious beliefs.
18th-century Enlightenment philosophers like Beccaria and Bentham advocated for rational legal systems.
They emphasized free will, individual responsibility, and proportionality between crime and punishment as deterrents.
Classical criminology focused on the nature of crime and rational choice, rather than on the criminals themselves.
The 19th century saw the rise of Positivist criminology, adopting a more scientific approach.
Positivists believed that crime was influenced by internal factors like biology or psychology.
Key figures like Lombroso studied physical traits to correlate them to criminal behavior.

Section One: Early Explanations of Criminology - Schools of Thought

The pre-classical school associated crime with supernatural forces and evil spirits.
The classical school emphasized free will, personal responsibility, and rational choice in crime.
The neo-classical school considered mitigating circumstances, such as mental incapacity, when determining punishment.
The Positivist School applied scientific methods (biology, psychology, statistics) to understanding crime causes

Section One: Sociological School of Criminology/The Modern Criminology

Modern criminology challenges the notion of 'criminal types'.
It looks at social factors such as poverty and inequality in understanding crime
Critics of earlier theories point to the limitations of the earlier theories to fully understand the causes of crime.

Section Two: Measurement of Crime and Delinquencies

Crime statistics depict crime trends and patterns.
Data is crucial for law enforcement and policy.
Data sources (Police, Courts, and Prisons.)

Section Three: Theories of Crime Causation

Rational Choice Theory: Criminals weigh costs and benefits.
Biological Theories: Biological factors contribute (genetics, brain, etc.).
Sociological Theories: Crime is influenced by social factors like poverty, inequality, and cultural norms
Geographical Theories: Crime is influenced by or is a result of the spatial distribution of crime

Section Four: Typology of Crime

Typologies categorize crimes based on various factors like harm caused, nature of the crime, etc.).
Blue-Collar Crime: Crimes committed by lower socio-economic classes.
White-Collar Crime: Crimes committed by individuals in higher social classes (often financial).
Victimless Crimes: Crimes where there is no easily identifiable victim (often illegal activities).
Organized Crime: Crime by a large organized group.

Section Five: Criminal Justice System

Criminal justice systems vary.
Crime prevention involves social, community, and situational strategies.

Section Five: Correctional Administration and Treatment

Corrections and Criminal Punishment are studied in the past and present.
Punishment justification theories: Retribution, Deterrence, Prevention, Reformation.

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Description

This quiz tests your understanding of the neo-classical school of criminology, focusing on its reactions to crime and recidivism, individual responsibility, and the treatment of offenders. Delve into the fundamental assumptions and distinctions made within this theoretical framework and explore its implications for punishment and decision-making.