Classical and neoclassical schools of criminology differ in theory and approaches to the justice system. Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behavior and society’s reaction to law violations and violaters (Siegel, 2003). Classical Theory vs Positivist Theory The classical and positivist approaches to criminology theory were both highly influential in their definition of dealing with criminal punishment. During the mid-eighteenth century, social philosopher’s argued a rational approach to punish criminals. In contrast to the classical school, which assumes that criminal acts are the product of free choice and rational calculation, the positivist sees the root causes of crime in factors outside the control of the offender. They sought to eliminate the cruel public executions, which was designed to scare people into obedience. Classical School vs. Positivist School of Criminology The Classical School of Criminology is premised on the theory that people have free will in formulating decisions, and that punishment is capable of deterring crime, so long as it is carried out without delay and is appropriate and in proportion to the crime committed. Positivist Criminology 1800s onwards. The classical and positivist approaches to criminological theory were both highly influential in their definition of and approach to dealing with crime and criminal punishment. Positivism assumes a deterministic nature to crime and that there lies within, a causation which is beyond the individuals control. Classical Vs. Positivist Criminology In the mid-eighteenth century, social philosophers started arguing for a more rational approach to criminal punishment. Classical School vs. Positivist School of Criminology The Classical School of Criminology is premised on the theory that people have free will in formulating decisions, and that punishment is capable of deterring crime, so long as it is carried out without delay and is appropriate and in proportion to the crime committed. Think about these two cases as you read about classical and positivist thought about human nature, punishment, and deterrence in this chapter. View of human behaviour Focuses on the act, not the actor 1. Positivist theorists will then be identified and the theory will be discussed, outlining the main thesis and beliefs of both of the theories. People are hedonistic, they act out of self- interest 4. The essay will first look at the history of the Classical Theory looking at Beccaria and Benthams classical school of criminology and its effects in a brief section. This moderate view was developed by … (Walters & Bradley, 2005) states that nasty punishments which occurred in Europe were out-shadowed by the introduction of this idea because it recognized an unexpected civil change, and hence providing an important explanation for the criminal code in western civilizations. Classicism assumes the free will of individuals and concentrates heavily on the punishment of crime. The Classical (Beccaria) vs The Positivist (Lombroso) School of Criminology Comparing and Contrasting two theoretical thinkers What is Criminology? People are rational and calculated 3. One of the two major schools of criminology. Classical Criminology 1500s-1700s. y The Classical Scholars Modern criminology is the product of two main schools of thought: the classical school originating in the 18th century and the positivist school originating in the 19th century. People have free will 2. Classical and Positivist Criminology ATS1281 Understanding Crime. 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