Classical criminology was an idea formed because there was no formal understanding of what caused criminal behavior. In an attempt to make sense of what was deemed socially irresponsible behavior, Cesare Beccaria was determined to formulate a theory that not only helped explain criminal behavior, but also helped to streamline punishment. Before this theory was developed, crime was not studied and the enforcement of crime was very arbitrary. Many times

43) Foundation and Focus The foundation for the Classical Theory to crime focused less on the criminal and targeted more on securing a rational, fair system for controlling and putting punishments in order. Little concern was given to causes of criminal behaviors. Significant words/definitions related to this theory include: Classicism - The Enlightenment view of crime that stresses free will and rationality and the corresponding rationality of the justice system.... Free will

Classical vs. Positivist School of Criminology: Two Clashing Views of the Human, Criminal Animal Although 18th century classical views of criminology should not be conflated with later, modern notions of classical psychological conditioning like Pavlov's dog being trained to salivate at the sound of a bell, there are certain similarities between the two schools of thought and even some of the methods used in classical criminology to reorient criminals back into society.

Many people using illicit and illegal drugs often have no impulse control and may turn violent or to another form of crime. Once an individual's mind is altered from the constant use of drugs, he or she will often steal, lie, and cheat to make the next dollar to obtain more drugs. Many people could share family related drug stories that have led to criminal activities. About 10 years ago,

Theoretical Evaluation Theory Evaluation The initial modern clarification of crime is known as "classical hypothesis" (Cullen and Agnew 2011). This hypothesis was produced in response to the malefic, irrational, and barbaric frameworks of criminal equity that existed in Europe in the 1700s. The laws were frequently arbitrary; judges were corrupt; penal awards for the same wrongdoing varied broadly; and disciplines were at times very cruel, causative of extreme physical abuse and often

To the extent criminal behavior is actually a result of spontaneous choice, it might be perfectly appropriate as a societal response to crime. On the other hand, to the extent criminal behavior is only partially attributable to spontaneous choice, the classical approach to crime control is inherently ineffective and unlikely to achieve the larger objective of reducing crime in society. Furthermore, the classical approach to crime control is unlikely to