Exam 4: The Classical and Positivist Schools of Criminology

Correct Answer:

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The classical and neoclassical schools of criminology are both theories that seek to explain the causes of criminal behavior and suggest ways to prevent and control it. However, they have some key differences in their approaches and perspectives.

Similarities:
1. Both schools of thought emphasize the importance of individual choice and free will in criminal behavior. They believe that individuals have the ability to make rational decisions and are responsible for their actions.
2. Both schools focus on the idea of deterrence, suggesting that the threat of punishment can prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.
3. Both schools advocate for the use of punishment as a means of controlling crime, although they differ in their approaches to punishment.

Differences:
1. Classical criminology, associated with thinkers like Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, emerged in the 18th century and focused on the idea of rational choice and the social contract. It emphasized the need for a fair and efficient criminal justice system and the use of proportional punishment. Neoclassical criminology, on the other hand, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and incorporated psychological and biological factors into its explanations of criminal behavior.

2. Neoclassical criminology introduced the concept of mitigating circumstances, suggesting that certain factors such as mental illness or extreme emotional distress could reduce an individual's culpability for their actions. This was a departure from the strict determinism of classical criminology, which held individuals fully responsible for their actions regardless of their circumstances.

3. Classical criminology focused on the idea of deterrence through swift, certain, and severe punishment, while neoclassical criminology introduced the concept of rehabilitation and treatment for offenders, recognizing that some individuals may be more responsive to interventions aimed at addressing the underlying causes of their criminal behavior.

In summary, while both the classical and neoclassical schools of criminology share some common principles, such as the emphasis on individual choice and the use of punishment as a deterrent, they differ in their approaches to punishment, the incorporation of psychological and biological factors, and the consideration of mitigating circumstances.