SSCI 2810U Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Public Space, Routine Activity Theory, Impulsivity
Document Summary
An introduction to the principles and morals of legislation . Slide 5: utilitarianism: nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do. (bentham). Individual level: engage in certain activities maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Aggregate level (i. e. state): implementation of laws greatest good for the greatest number. Slide 8-12: neoclassical school of criminology: government incorporation of beccaria"s ideas. Worked well, however problematic conception: similar punishment for similar act. Same act - people shouldn"t be punished equally. French system: sentencing first time offender, repeat offender. Variety of instances- no maliciousness i. e. acting out of necessity. Beccaria no weight to intent (mens rea), only act (actus reus). Slide 13: distinction between neoclassical and classical school: for the most part, singular: Neoclassical school considers context for punishment: individual and situational.
