Exam 3: Classical Criminology

Cesare Beccaria provided many ideas on making the criminal justice system fair and effective. Which of the eight principles highlighted in the text do you believe is most important? Support your choice with an example of how that principle is applied in criminal justice today to ensure the system is just and effective.

Rational choice theories propose that individuals consider the pros and cons of crime before they violate the law. Using techniques from CPTED - crime prevention through environmental design - devise an urban community approach to reduce violent crimes such as robbery, rape, and murder.

Some focused deterrence policies such as Operation Ceasefire join deterrence efforts with____________ to reduce crime:

What factors may counteract or negate the theoretical bases of rational choice? Describe a crime or victimization situation where rational choice would not apply based on these factors.

Deterrence-based theories believe humans commit crime because they are forced into crime.

Punishment severity is the best predictor of deterrence effectiveness.

The social contract is the basis of many modern democracies. What is the social contract? How is it derived, and who participates in upholding it?

Cesare Beccaria had substantial influence over the fields of criminology and law. Describe Beccaria's influence over the development of the criminal justice system in the United States. Explain how Beccaria's influence has been maintained for over 200 years and its sustaining relevance.

The social contract is an agreement among members of a society to respect the rights of others in order for their own rights to be equally respected. This idea was put forth by the following philosophers: