CRIM 300W Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: On Crimes And Punishments, Deterrence Theory, Full Moon
21 Nov 2013
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Document Summary
Week 3: pre-classical and classical theories of crime. Emphasis on free will and ability of individuals to make rational decisions. Strong religious or supernatural causes of crime before the age of enlightenment. Ability of human beings to choose their own behavior and destiny. Analysis of what"s going on in someone"s head before they commit a crime. Potential offender weights out the possible costs and pleasure of committing. Classical school theories are used as the basis for the us policies on punishment and. Individuals make decisions regardless of extraneous influences criminal activity. Historically, criminal activity was thought to be caused by supernatural causes or religious factors. Primitive cultures - devil or evils spirits, perform exorcisms, surgeries, full moon = criminal activity. Full moon belief is fake, classical school equivalent = simply more opportunities to commit crime when the moon is full because there is more light at night. Historically, no understanding why individuals violate laws of society.
