Theories

Chapter 4: Early and Classical Criminological Theories Chapter Outline 

Theory

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Major Theoretical Approaches

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Demonological Theory

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Classical Theory

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 Neoclassical Theory

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Ecological Theory

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Forerunners of Modern Criminological Thought

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Economic Theory

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Theory!olicy Connection

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Theories: help us understand and e"plain crime causation# help us ma$e sense of random and seemingly unrelated facts# are not la%s or facts# %ill not lead us to one &$ey' & $ey' e"planation of criminal (eha)ior#

Demonological Theory Demonological Theory: •

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*efers to supernatural e"planations of criminality# criminality# Criminal (eha)ior attri(uted to demons or other%orldly sources# *esponse to crime %ith &trial (y ordeal#'

Classical Theory Classical Theory: ›

Emphasi+es free %ill and rationality as the source of (e ha)ior#

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!eople are rational and ha)e free %ill

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,--. responsi(le for their actions#

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Assumes hedonism# ma"imi+e “Pleasure Principle” /The assumption that the main purpose of life is to ma"imi+e  pleasure %hile minimi+ing pain#

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Classical Theory 0cont1d2 •

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Cesare 3eccaria 0,56,742: Argued that punishment should (e: 8ure9 s%ift9 and certain#  No more se)ere than necessary to deter# nspired modern ;estern legal principles# ues of Classical Theory: Does not allo% consideration of offenderspecific circumstances# Ad)ocates ta$ing a%ay judicial discretion# Concepts of &pleasure' and &pain' are difficult to measure#

 Neoclassical Theory •

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 Neoclassical 8chool: Consider en)ironmental9 psychological9 and other mitigating circumstances# Focus on policies rather than crime causation# ?ess concerned %ith finding &causes' and more concerned %ith finding &%hat %or$s#'

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*ational Choice Theory 0Cornish @ Clar$e9 ,762 Crime seen as a choice made (ased on costs9 (enefits9 and opportunities# &8ituational Crime Control' B One %ay to reduce crime (ased on this theory# Criticism: Most crimes are not carefully planned#

 Neoclassical Theory 0cont1d2 •

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Other remnants of neoclassical theory: &Three 8tri$es ou1re Out' !olicies

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Mandatory 8entences Concept of &