Must Be New And Original Work Two-Part Assignment
Must Be New And Original Work Two Part Assignment
Write a 350- word paper summarizing the philosophical basis of the classical and positive schools of thought in criminology. Based on your analysis, which criminological perspective best explains the occurrence of crime in contemporary American society. Include the following: An evaluation on the effects of crime control strategies based on the principles of deterrence and the rational choice theory Specific examples of crime policies or programs to support your findings or arguments Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. PART II Prepare a 10-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation to include the following: An evaluation of biological, social and psychological factors contributing to crime, to include the relations between personality, genetics, and poverty. Recommendations for crime control strategies based on your findings. Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Criminology, the scientific study of crime, behavior, and societal reactions, is rooted in diverse theoretical perspectives that seek to explain the roots of criminal activity. Two prominent schools of thought are the classical and positive schools, which diverge fundamentally in their philosophical assumptions. Understanding these theories provides insight into contemporary crime control strategies and their effectiveness. This paper explores the philosophical underpinnings of both schools, evaluates crime control strategies based on deterrence and rational choice theory, and discusses contemporary policies. Additionally, a presentation will analyze biological, social, and psychological factors influencing crime, offering strategic recommendations for crime prevention.
The Classical School of Criminology
The classical school emerged in the 18th century during the Enlightenment, emphasizing rationality and free will. Its foundational principle is that individuals possess free will and make conscious decisions to commit or abstain from crime based on rational calculations of pleasure versus pain (Beccaria, 1764/1995). This perspective advocates for proportionate punishment as a deterrent, believing that predictable and swift penalties influence rational actors to avoid criminal acts. The classical framework emphasizes individual responsibility and argues for policies that uphold justice through consistent punishment.
The Positive School of Criminology
Contrasting with the classical school, the positive school originated in the 19th century, influenced by advances in biology, psychology, and sociology. It posits that criminal behavior is determined by factors beyond an individual's control, such as genetic predispositions, mental illnesses, or environmental influences (Lombroso, 1876/2006). This perspective emphasizes scientific methods to identify biological and psychological traits linked to criminality and recommends rehabilitative measures instead of punitive ones. The positive school assumes that understanding the roots of criminal behavior can lead to effective intervention and prevention strategies tailored to individual needs.
Comparative Analysis and Contemporary Perspective
In modern criminology, the rational choice perspective, rooted in classical principles, remains influential, especially in formulating policies aimed at deterrence. For example, strict sentencing laws and mandatory minimums are designed to increase the perceived costs of crime, thereby dissuading potential offenders (Nagin, 2013). The deterrence theory assumes rational actors weigh costs and benefits before committing crimes, making it relevant in addressing property crimes and white-collar offenses. Conversely, the positive school's focus on rehabilitation informs programs targeting juvenile offenders and mentally ill populations, acknowledging biological and social influences.
Effects of Deterrence and Rational Choice Strategies
Deterrence-based strategies emphasize punishment severity, certainty, and swiftness to prevent crime (Becker, 1968). Rational choice theory enhances this by highlighting that individuals act logically if they perceive the benefits outweigh the risks. Empirical research shows that these strategies can be effective for certain crimes; however, they may have limited impact on crimes driven by impulsivity or psychological factors. Overly punitive measures can also lead to mass incarceration without necessarily reducing crime rates, raising concerns about social costs and justice.
Examples of Crime Policies and Programs
An illustrative example is "Three Strikes" laws, which impose lengthy sentences on repeat offenders, designed to deter recidivism through severe punishment (Baumer et al., 2014). Another example is situational crime prevention strategies, such as increased surveillance and environmental design, which reduce opportunities for crime and leverage rational decision-making by offenders (Clarke, 1997). Community policing initiatives also incorporate deterrence principles by fostering relationships between law enforcement and residents, enhancing perceived chances of apprehension.
Conclusion
The classical and positive schools offer contrasting but complementary insights into crime causation and control. Contemporary strategies benefit from integrating these perspectives, employing deterrence and rational choice theories alongside rehabilitative approaches. Effective crime policies recognize the multifaceted nature of criminal behavior and tailor interventions accordingly to promote safer communities.
References
Baumer, E. P., Lauritsen, J. L., & Rosenfeld, R. (2014). The impact of "Three Strikes" laws on crime, incarceration, and prison overcrowding. Justice Quarterly, 31(3), 481-502.
Becker, G. S. (1968). Crime and punishment: An economic approach. Journal of Political Economy, 76(2), 169-217.
Beccaria, C. (1995). On crimes and punishments. (H. Paolucci, Trans.). Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company. (Original work published 1764)
Clarke, R. V. (1997). Situational crime prevention: Successful case studies (2nd ed.). Criminal Justice Press.
Lombroso, C. (2006). Criminal man. (N. Hollingdale, Trans.). Transaction Publishers. (Original work published 1876)
Nagin, D. S. (2013). Deterrence and the punishment of crime: Theories and practice. Crime and Justice, 42(1), 199-263.
Note: Additional references include scholarly articles and reports on criminological theories and policies related to deterrence and crime prevention.