CLJ 120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Deterrence Theory, Determinism, Ancient Greek Philosophy
11 Aug 2016
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Document Summary
Derived from ideas and writing of early greek philosophy. Began in 1764 with of crime and punishments" by cesare beccaria. This book drew from the concepts of the enlightenment movement in europe. Beccaria looked at deterrence as the central purpose of criminal justice. The prevalence of crime in society reflects irrational and ineffective law. Beccaria"s perspective is rooted in several key assumptions: 1, people are generally good, but need negative motivation: behavior is calculated. Factors+ situational factors: crime control is an attainable goal. Developed the principle of utility based on the assumption that people pursue pleasure and avoid pain. Individuals calculate pleasure or pain according to intensity, duration, certainty, and extent. Martinson (1974) questioned viability of positivist explanation of criminality. Suggested that the idea behind deterrence should be reconsidered. To understand deterrence, one must accept basic classical ideals about human nature. Much of the problem with crime is that it feels good .
