Criminology: Foundations & Classical School

Definition of a scientific theory

A plausible general principle offered to explain phenomena.

The relationship between data and theory

Circular (Data leads to theory, theory directs data).

What makes a theory scientific rather than an opinion?

It is testable and revised if contradicted by data.

What are the four core areas studied by criminology?

Crime, offenders, victims, and the criminal legal system.

What law-making process does criminological theory explain?

How laws are created and what behaviour gets criminalized.

Where did power and rights reside under feudalism?

Exclusively in the ruling class (monarchs, Church, landowners).

What Enlightenment values drove the transition to capitalism?

Rationalism, science, and free will.

What legal tradition governs most Canadian provinces?

Common law (precedent-based judge-made law).

What legal tradition governs private law in Quebec?

Civil law (codified, written tradition).

How does criminal law operate across Canada?

It is federal and uniform nationwide.

Why is classical theory called "classical"?

Because it came first chronologically in the 18th century.

What is utilitarianism in classical theory?

The principle of maximizing happiness and minimizing pain.

What core human trait does the classical school emphasize?

Free will and rational individual choice.

According to Cesare Beccaria, what is the true purpose of punishment?

Prevention, not revenge.

What are Beccaria's three conditions for just punishment?

Swift, certain, and proportional.

Which matters more for deterrence: certainty or severity?

Certainty of punishment matters far more than severity.

What is "just deserts" in criminal punishment?

Retributive idea that offenders deserve proportionate punishment.

What is general deterrence?

Punishing one person to discourage the public at large.

What is specific deterrence?

Punishing an offender to discourage that specific individual from reoffending.

What is the main weakness of classical theory and deterrence?

They cannot explain impulsive or irrational crime.

What is Rational Choice Theory (RCT)?

A modern descendant where offenders weigh benefits and consequences.