Cesare Beccaria states that, “The true measure of crimes is namely the harm done to society.” Explain how this statement relates to his ideas concerning free will, the social contract, individual choice, utilitarianism, and Enlightenment ideals overall.

What will be an ideal response?


Beccaria believed that all individuals have the free will and choice to either commit crime or not. Based on the social contract, individuals give up some liberties and rights in order to be protected by their government from other individuals and unfair treatment. A government should strive for equal protection and the greatest good for the greatest number of people (utilitarianism). Therefore, crimes should be viewed as harming society as a whole, not just the individual harm done.

Criminal Justice

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