Theories Of Classical Criminology

The classical school of thought is based on the idea that people are free to make decisions, and that punishment can be a deterrent to crime, the punishment is proportionate, fits the crime, and are expeditiously. The theory that participates in the classical school of criminology is that "criminals make the rational choice and choose to commit criminal acts because of the maximum pleasure and minimum pain," (Classical, 2012). Theorist went further to explain that to discourage and lessen crime, and the severity of certain penalties must be proportionate to the crime committed and not more than what is necessary in order to deter the offender and others from committing more crimes (Classical, 2010). This theoretical framework and thought constitute the classical school of criminology. To understand this theory, it is imperative for the first time to dive deeper meaning of this frame of thought and understanding. It emphasizes the classical school that people make a rational decision to commit the crime. This means that the offender will think that crime by looking at the positive and negative consequences of the crime. They are involved in criminal activity as a form of gratification or for a specific reason. This can be to make money, sex, cash and objects, and other needed items. Therefore, if the immediate profit of the crime exceeds the proportion to the consequences and punishment, the offender will choose to commit a crime and suffer the potential consequences in order to obtain a temporary gain achieved from the crime. …show more content…
Rationality: the classical school of thought in criminology assumes that people are having free will and they elect to commit