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Classical Criminology

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Classical Criminology

In today’s society, those who commit crime are subject to a number of certain punishments, which are selected by relevance and effectiveness as seen fit by the prosecution. This concept is not a recently implemented part of the criminal justice system. Systems of criminal punishment can be traced back to the beginning of human civilization. Whether or not the Bible is considered to be fact or fiction, the commonly used concept of “an eye for an eye” was mentioned in Exodus 21:24, where the criminal’s punishment is proportionate to the harm caused. (Sterling) An aristocrat named Cesare Beccaria was a man dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system that was in place at the time (late 1700’s). His views and ideas on the justice system are nowadays commonly referred to as classical criminology. There are many current day supporters of a more classical approach to the system and Beccaria’s influence on the common idea behind punishment helped shape the system for the ages. When looking at today’s forms of punishment from a classical criminological perspective, there are many commonalities in the main purpose behind these measures. Some of Cesare Beccaria’s ideas are evident in the justice system of today, proving to be logical and effective. However, many of the currently adopted philosophies behind the purpose of punishment go completely against those ideas of Baccaria’s as well. Cesare Beccaria was an advocate for the Utilitarian justification to crime. Through this practice, punishments are centered around reforming the individual into a non-criminal mindset, and preventing the repeated behavior by others in the society. An example of this being seen in today’s society is the use of prevention classes as a common inclusion with abuse related cases. These classes usually involve a group of people in common situations, and an

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