Chapter 8: Early Theories of Criminology Flashcards
In the Early explanations, crime was equated to what?
Sin
Who were often killed during the times of early theory (4 things)
- Children
- Elderly
- Physically disabled
- Economically independent women
Prior to the 18th century, theories about crime were inspired primarily by 2 things
Religious beliefs and superstition
Witches served as a convenient ________ against whom the masses could vent their anger
Scapegoat
Witches served as a convenient ________ against whom the masses could vent their anger
Scapegoat
Enlightenment Philosophers’ view of society
Society is composed of free and rational human beings.
This was considered the first formal school of Criminology.
The classical school
This school advocated for principles of rights, fairness, due process in place of retribution, arbitrariness, and brutality
The classical school
He criticized the cruelty, inhumanity, and arbitrariness of their current justice system
Beccaria
Where did the roots of classical theory lie?
In the Enlightenment
This theory was based on the assumption that people are rational beings who calculate the consequences of their actions
Classical theory
What was the premise of classical theory?
people are rational thinkers who calculated the consequences of their behaviour. Thus, penalty will deter people from breaking the law.
the phrase “Punishment should fit the crime and be proportional to the harm done to society” best represents which theory?
Classical
What were 2 limitations of the Classical school
- Gross injustices ensued
2. Judges had no discretion
Neoclassical Theory
theorist sought more flexibility in the justice system, such as individualizing sentences to take into account to include offender characteristics, mitigating circumstances, and motive.
