Explain the theoretical constructs of the Classical School of thought

What will be an ideal response?


Human beings are seen as rational creatures, who, being free to choose their actions, could be held responsible for their behavior. This doctrine of free will was substituted for what had been previously the widely accepted concept of theological determinism, which saw humans as predestined to certain actions.

Punishment is justified because of its practical usefulness or ability. No longer was punishment acceptable for purposes of vengeful retaliation or as expiation on the basis of superstitious theories of guilt and repayment. According to utilitarianism, the aim of punishment is the protection of society, and the dominant theme is deterrence.

The classical school sees the human being as a creature governed by a felicific calculus—an orientation toward obtaining a favorable balance of pleasure and pain.

There should be a rational scale of punishment painful enough to deter the criminal from further offenses and to prevent others from following his or her negative example.

Sanctions should be proclaimed in advance of their use; these sanctions should be proportionate to the offense and should outweigh the rewards of crime.

Equal justice should be available to everyone.

Individuals should be judged by the law solely for their acts, not for their beliefs.

Criminal Justice

You might also like to view...

What was not identified as a problem related to the attempt to use randomized designs in field evaluations?

a. program staff may insist upon assignment based on need b. the design may break down c. the design may not be correctly carried out d. such designs are inapplicable to field research

Criminal Justice

Which of the following prison designs has been traditionally used to house both women and juvenile offenders?

a. radial b. telephone-pole c. courtyard style d. campus style

Criminal Justice

According to the Supreme Court, strip searches may be conducted

a. at the discretion of the jail authority b. only with the consent of the detainee c. once probable cause has been established d. if the detainee appears threatening

Criminal Justice

Police dogs are not sent into dangerous locations without their handlers

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice