Police Foundations SOC225 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Atavism, Scientific Method, Anomie
4 Jun 2016
School
Department
Professor
Document Summary
Belief that violations of social norms or religious practices were caused by witchcraft or possession by demons. Social philosophers seeking more rational approach to punishing criminal behaviour. Felt that relationship between crime and punishment should be more balanced and fair. Initiated by cesare beccaria: more of a systematic understanding of why people engaged in crime. Let the punishment fit the crime : main elements of classical criminology theory: People have free will to choose how to settle problems and meet their needs. Criminal solutions may be attractive because they often require less work and have a greater payoff. Choice of criminal solution may be controlled by fear of punishment. The more certain, swift and severe the punishment, the more it will be able to control criminal behaviour. Positivist criminology: main elements of positivism, human behaviour is a function of external forces beyond individual control.
