Theories of criminology quiz

Utilitarianism

A philosophical theory stating that laws should be based on what is practical and realistic rather than on an idealistic moral view

Positivist

Focused on biological and psychological factors to explain criminal behaviour

Anomie theory

A sociological hypothesis arguing that criminal behaviour is more likely to thrive in an anonymous urban setting than in a more traditional rural setting

Ecological School

A sociological theory arguing that poor or transient communities are more likely to condone criminal activity than more affluent neighborhoods

Social Conflict Theories

Hypothesis arguing that criminal behaviour is more likely in a capitalist society because of increased competition for scarce resources and wealth

Consensus Theorists

People who assume there is a universal or communal definition of right and wrong and that our criminal law reflects that consensus

Who was Cesare Beccaria

an Italian theorist and one of the most famous proponents of the classical school of thought

Who was Jeremy Bentham

An English philosopher who was one of the most famous proponents of the classical school of thought

Cesar believed that human beings were driven primarily by ____ but would be______

Self interest, but would be rational in their actions

What were both Beccaria and Bentham interested in?

how law-making and the legal process affected the incidence of crime in society

According to Cesar Beccaria, in weighing the consequences of their actions, individuals would conclude what?

It was ultimately in their best interests to limit some of their freedoms

What did Beccaria suggest about the role of government?

that the role of government should be to act on behalf and in the best interests of all citizens

What did Beccaria believe about the role of law

Should act as a deterrent to those likely to break it, and the punishment enacted should be proportionately greater than the pleasure derived from criminal gain

What did Bentham believe law should be based on?

A social contract between the government and the people, with each side accepting certain consequences if the contract was broken

What did Bentham believe the role of the government was?

To make clear what sorts of behaviours would be considered criminal and to establish limits on the degree to which government could use its power to punish citizens.