CRM 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, Thought Criminals
2 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Helps us understand the later theories on crime. Parallels in how people think (in present time) Causes of crime: tempted by or possessed by the devil. People would rationalize the death penalty by believing that the person would have another life in the after life. Greater focus on reason: scientific approaches. Rely on things that can be tested. People going out and investigating trying to explain cause and effect. Got rid of ideas that relied on super situations: new ideas about evidence in criminal trials. New ideas about government: the social contract: criticism of unfair processes and harsh punishments ---> fewer capital offences, development of prisons, transportation. He attempted to explain criminal behaviour in criminological terms not based on religion. A more successful deterrent is a certainty of punishment. Criminals are rational actors motivated by self-interest. Response to crime: male the costs outweigh the benefits. Punishment should be swift and certain (not harsh)
