This essay will discuss classical criminology, commonly referred to as classicism. The first part of this essay will clarify the main features and concepts of classicism, including rational choice theory, free will, social contract theory, deterrence, and proportional punishment. This essay will then further analyse these theories and identify any limitations and problems associated with them. This will give a better understanding towards the concepts that surround criminology.
Classicism emerged and developed in Europe in the late eighteenth century (Lilly, Cullen, & Ball, 2002). Classical scholars were interested in finding ways to control and direct criminal behaviour rather than figuring out the causes – social conditions of crime were deemed unimportant (Hale, Hayward, Wahidin, & Wincup, 2013). They also focused on individual rights and the individual being held responsible for the consequences of their actions (White, Haines, & Asquith, 2012). In order to successfully hold the individual responsible, classical theory emphasized clarity in sentencing to ensure the sentence received would …show more content…
Theorists have deliberately ignored the fact not all offenders are alike; they do not take into consideration that individuals are different (Burke, 2009). Also like rational choice theory, free-will theory reflects the importance of needing to study the offenders individually, by studying their background facts and their conscious decisions (Lilly et al., 2002). Bentham also spoke of utilitarianism; this is a concept that believes laws should be designed to be most useful to the majority of people (Carrabine, et al., 2014). This concept holds problems, as it still does not focus on the individual. The system focuses on the offence and not the offender (White et al.,
Classicism emerged and developed in Europe in the late eighteenth century (Lilly, Cullen, & Ball, 2002). Classical scholars were interested in finding ways to control and direct criminal behaviour rather than figuring out the causes – social conditions of crime were deemed unimportant (Hale, Hayward, Wahidin, & Wincup, 2013). They also focused on individual rights and the individual being held responsible for the consequences of their actions (White, Haines, & Asquith, 2012). In order to successfully hold the individual responsible, classical theory emphasized clarity in sentencing to ensure the sentence received would …show more content…
Theorists have deliberately ignored the fact not all offenders are alike; they do not take into consideration that individuals are different (Burke, 2009). Also like rational choice theory, free-will theory reflects the importance of needing to study the offenders individually, by studying their background facts and their conscious decisions (Lilly et al., 2002). Bentham also spoke of utilitarianism; this is a concept that believes laws should be designed to be most useful to the majority of people (Carrabine, et al., 2014). This concept holds problems, as it still does not focus on the individual. The system focuses on the offence and not the offender (White et al.,