Classical vs Positivist Criminology
There are two primary schools of criminology foundations. The first school of criminology known as the classical theory of criminology was founded by Cesare Beccaria. In the classical theory, Beccaria proposed an eye for an eye model of punishments for crimes. In the second theory of criminology, Cesare Lombroso founded the positivist theory of criminology. The positivist school of criminology is based on visual criminology and evolutionary biology. This essay’s purpose is to briefly explain the contents of both schools of criminology.
Classical criminology
In the 18th century, Beccaria founded the classical school of criminology. Becarria proposed the punishment should fit the crime. (Bruni & Porta, 2014) To be effective at crime deterrents, the punishment should be as lenient as possible. For example, if a suspect has alleged to commit murder, then the murderer’s punishment should be capital punishment e.g. the death penalty. (Hostettler, 2010) If an alleged thief stole an expensive painting without hurting any guards, then the punishment should be enough to deter future thefts. One of the novel ideas, Beccaria insisted upon was punishing nobels as no different than the lowest member of society. (Hostettler, 2010) Beccaria’s classical theory of criminology was praised for its practical justice.
The classical theory of criminology focuses on an eye for an eye. In the 21st century, there are several examples where the classical criminology theory is still practiced. Gangs tend to punish members and rival gangs based on Becarria’s classical theory. For example, if a rival motor club shoots a competitive gang member, then vengeance will almost always be returned in a similar way. Italian mafias also practice vengeance style crime control. The classical theory of criminology is alive and well in transnational organized criminal organizations because the classical theory is most applicable to criminal enterprises and crime control.
Positivist criminology
By contrast, Lombroso’s 19th century positivist criminology theory, suggested the crime should fit the criminal. (Simon, 2005) Lombroso was a doctor and found similar physical traits among the criminals he dissected. The positivist theory of criminology used evolutionary biology to predict whether an individual would subscribe to a life of crime. (Bailey, 2005) Lombroso also classified women’s propensity to commit crime as far more likely than men of similar classes. Lombroso cited several physical traits as well as emotional traits of potential criminals e.g. heredity, irresponsibility, and a chronic willingness to violate society’s rules. (Simon, 2005) A data pirate would be an example of Lombroso’s criminal traits. Lombroso paved the way for scientific racism and still haunts the law enforcement and judicial system in the 21st century.
In review, there were two main schools of criminology. The classical school of criminology set that crimes should fit the punishments and be as lenient as possible. Beccaria was the founder of classical criminology. The second school of criminology, the positivist school, set that biological traits determine criminality. Lombroso’s positivist school set the stage for racist profiling and continues to be a staple of law enforcement in Western countries. This brief essay explained the two schools of criminology.
References
Bailey, F. (2005). Born to crime: Cesare Lombroso and the origins of biological criminology. Journal of History of the Behavioral Sciences, Vo. 41 Issue 1. Retrieved 29 January 2019 from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=3818c28d-3b95-4b07-8fd2-e329d9b721e0%40sessionmgr101&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWlwJnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=15610126&db=ap
Bruni, L., & Porta, P. L. (2014). Cesare Beccaria’s on crimes and punishments. History of Economics Review, (60), 64–74.
Hostettler, J. (2010). Cesare Beccaria: The Genius of ‘On Crimes and Punishments.’ Waterside Press, Retrieved 29 January 2019 from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/lib/apus/reader.action?docID=3416247
Simon, J. (2005). Positively punitive: How the inventor of scientific criminology who died at the beginning of the twentieth century continues to haunt American crime control at the beginning of the twenty-first. Tex. L. Rev., 84, 2135.
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