Classical Criminology

We see theory about crime and deviance start to appear from around the time of the Enlightenmnet. The 'classical' tradition believed that humans are rational beings who make decisions based on there cost-benefit. Some of the key writers during this time were BECCARIA and BENTHAM.

BECCARIA- He outlined a number of things about both the law and punishment. He believed that the law should limit the individual as little as possible. The law should uphold the accussed rights at all stages of the criminal justice process. Punishment should only be used as a way of preventing or deterring from further crimes. We should assess seriousness of crime on the harm it has caused others. He saw excessive punishment as ineffective and said that it could increase crime. The law should be clearly written so individuals know what it is an what the punishment is for…