What are the differences between classical, neoclassical, and postclassical perspectives and the assumptions they make about human nature?

What will be an ideal response?


Although each perspective embraces a hedonistic account of human nature in which people attempt to maximize their own self-interest, there are some important differences. The classical school of criminology assumes free will and rational choice by individuals. Punishment should be used to make criminal activity less advantageous. Neoclassical perspectives are those that assume punishment can be used to control crime through deterrence; these are sometimes referred to as deterrence theories. Neoclassical theorists still embrace the notion of free will and the view of people as rational decision makers, but they acknowledge that these decisions are shaped by various environmental factors. Postclassical theorists believe that deterrence can be most effectively achieved through adjustments to the physical environment rather than through punishment imposed by the criminal justice system. In other words, why not prevent crime before it happens rather than trying to locate, arrest, convict, imprison, and rehabilitate criminals?

Criminal Justice

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Gerald Gault's offense which just about earned him a six-year juvenile industrial school term was:

A) murder. B) an obscene telephone call. C) robbery and aggravated assault. D) rape.

Criminal Justice

In Dickerson v. United States (2000 ) Chief Justice Rehnquist wrote that "Miranda has become embedded in routine police practice to the point where the warnings have become part of our ______________ _______________."

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Criminal Justice

The shared decision making of the courtroom work group helps to diffuse responsibility.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Criminal Justice

Which of the following factors increases the power of the prosecutor?

A) Many of their decisions are hidden from public view. B) They must have a judge sign off on any decision to drop a case. C) They are dependent upon the defense attorney for witness statements. D) Jurisdictional boundaries are sometimes confusing. E) Cases overturned at appeal can be damaging to a prosecutor's career.

Criminal Justice