Theories of Crime - Unit 1

The idea that people freely choose to commit crimes based on weighing potential benefits against the punishment.

A system of social control centered around the concept that punishment should deter crime by outweighing any potential benefits.

The belief that punishment should be swift, certain, and proportionate to the crime committed.

The belief that individuals agree to follow laws in exchange for the protection and benefits provided by society.

A system that prioritizes the individual needs and characteristics of offenders when determining punishment.

The recognition that children require different treatment and punishment compared to adults due to their developmental stage.

An approach that emphasizes the role of punishment in crime prevention.

The idea that laws should maximize happiness for the majority of people.

A theory of criminology that emphasizes rational choice and free will in explaining criminal behavior. It suggests that individuals make calculated decisions based on the potential rewards and consequences of their actions.

An Italian jurist and philosopher who is credited with being the founder of the Classical School of Criminology. His work, "On Crimes and Punishments," argued for humane and rational criminal justice reforms.

A principle that suggests punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed. This means that the severity of the punishment should match the severity of the offense.

The belief that punishment should be just enough to deter individuals from committing crimes, but never excessive. The goal is to prevent crime without resorting to cruel or unusual methods.

The principle that punishments should be swift, certain, and severe enough to deter crime. This means that the consequences of crime should be obvious and immediate, and that the potential punishment should be significant enough to outweigh the potential reward.

A system of justice based on laws and rules, rather than religious or superstitious beliefs. This emphasizes the importance of due process and fair procedures.

A system of justice that ensures fair and impartial treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background or status. This emphasizes the importance of equal punishment for similar offences.

The belief that humans are rational beings who make choices based on their own self-interest. This suggests that crime can be prevented by addressing the factors that influence individual choices.

A period marked by severe punishments, including death penalties, stemming from deeply ingrained religious beliefs about individuals' free will and the influence of the devil.

A core principle of the Classical School of Criminology emphasizing that punishments should be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime.

The belief that individuals have the capacity to make choices and are responsible for their actions, a fundamental premise of the Classical School.

The idea, supported by Jeremy Bentham, that individuals are motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, shaping their actions.

A method of study in criminology that relies on subjective interpretations and assumptions rather than empirical evidence.

A fixed period of time assigned for a punishment, contributing to predictable and fairer sentencing.

A philosophical approach to criminal justice that emphasizes the importance of a structured and unbiased legal framework.

Cesare Beccaria's influential book advocating for a reformed criminal justice system, focusing on proportionality of punishments and human rights.

The period of 17th and 18th centuries when European legal systems were marked by arbitrariness, corruption, and lack of fairness, leading to inconsistencies in justice and severe punishments.

The system of laws and punishments in Europe before the Enlightenment, characterized by vagueness, arbitrariness, lack of consistency, biased interpretations, and harsh penalties.

A situation where laws are unclear or open to multiple interpretations, leading to inconsistencies in application and judgment.

Judges using their own discretion in interpreting laws, potentially introducing bias and unfairness in legal proceedings.

The lack of equality in legal treatment, often favoring the wealthy and powerful over those with less influence.

The use of torture to force confessions from suspects, violating basic human rights and due process.

The extensive use of the death penalty for a wide range of offenses, often without fair trial or consideration of mitigating factors.

The absence of established legal procedures and principles that guarantee fairness and equal treatment in the judicial system.

Cesare Beccaria was an Italian philosopher who is considered the founding father of the Classical School of Criminology. He argued that legal systems should prioritize deterrence, proportionality, and fairness in punishment.

Beccaria's critiques of the criminal justice system focused on the need for rationality, legal certainty, and proportionality in punishments. He argued against arbitrary punishments and for a system based on clear laws and fair trials.

A major criticism of Beccaria's ideas was that they were too rigid and lacked consideration for individual circumstances, particularly the state of mind of the offender. Critics argued that focusing solely on the crime without addressing the criminal's intentions could lead to unfair punishments.

Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher who was influenced by Beccaria's work. He developed the philosophy of Utilitarianism, which emphasizes the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of pain.

Beccaria's works emphasized the importance of prevention and justice in reducing crime. He believed that the threat of punishment could deter crime and that legal systems should ensure fair trials and equitable punishments.

Beccaria's work was influential on the development of criminal justice systems throughout the world. His ideas, such as the importance of proportionality and fairness in punishment, are still relevant today.

A period in criminology that emphasized individual responsibility and free will, but also recognized exceptions like mental illness or childhood for reduced culpability.

The idea that individuals act on their own free will when committing crimes, but certain factors can limit this choice, making them less responsible.

The study of how conditions or mental states can influence a person's ability to exercise control over their actions, making them less accountable for their crimes.

Someone who has committed a crime for the first time.

Someone who repeatedly commits crimes after experiencing punishment.

A theory attempts to explain how the world works by linking different ideas together. It helps predict and research events and behaviors.

The ability of a theory to generate new ideas and questions for further research.

The relationship between theory and research, where each influences and helps develop the other.