CRM 1001 Lecture Notes - Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, Deterrence Theory
Document Summary
Crime is difficult to define and can be measured in multiple ways. During the enlightenment social contract came into play. Citizens give up some freedoms in return for protection and order. The idea that it is better to prevent crimes than to punish them. This assumes that people will make rational decisions. Assumes that people will never act impulsively. Do the most good for the greatest number of people. He reconceived the design and purpose of prisons. Guards could be looking anywhere at any time. Inmates would behave as if they were being watched at all times. Shift to science and facts for a justification of a phenomenon. Certain types of people are predisposed toward criminality. The goal of criminology should be to identify these people and pinpoint the biological causes of crime. Focuses on crime statistics, changes over time, demographics of criminals. Believed that criminality was heritable and social environment was less important than inborn traits.
