SOC212H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, Bad Hindelang
Document Summary
Soc212 week four october 4th, 2016. Society was based on a social contract, where everyone gives up some rights and in return gets benefits. Published an essay on crime and punishment . Argued that when individuals do not know what is illegal or what the punishment is the deterrent value is nothing. Severity of punishment given should fit the seriousness of the crime (proportionality) Laws should demonstrate the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people: jeremy bentham (1748-1832) : rational choice. Argued that society should be based on people creating the greatest possible good for most people. People act in their own self-interest and people tend to maximize their self-interest and minimize pain. General trying to prevent crimes from occurring. Specific once we punish we well enough, hopefully you will never do it again restrictive focus to specific type of offending. The sanction you receive should be strong enough so you don"t want to reoffend.
