Deck 3 – Classical & Positivism

Classical Criminology

Crime results from free will and rational choice.

Social Contract

People give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and social order.

Free Will

The ability to choose whether to offend.

Deterrence

Preventing crime through punishment

Proportionality

Punishment should match the seriousness of the offence.

Utilitarianism

Actions should produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Hedonistic Calculus

Weighing pleasure against pain before acting.

Judicial Discretion

A judge's ability to decide the appropriate sentence

Positivism

Knowledge comes from observation, measurement and scientific evidence

Empiricism

Knowledge gained through observation and research.

Determinism

Behaviour has identifiable causes outside individual control.

Epistemology

The study of how knowledge is produced and justified.

Biological Positivism

Crime is explained through biological characteristics.

Atavism

Lombroso's idea that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks

Biological Determinism

The belief that biology determines behaviour.

Sociological Positivism

Crime is shaped by society and social structures.

Social Facts

Objective social patterns that influence behaviour.

Post Positivism

Scientific inquiry while recognising complete objectivity is impossible.