On Crimes and Punishments by Cesare Beccaria

These flashcards highlight important vocabulary and concepts from Beccaria's work 'On Crimes and Punishments', aiding in understanding and examination preparation.

On Crimes and Punishments

A classic treatise written by Cesare Beccaria on the nature of crime and the justice system.

Social Contract

The theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its laws.

Utilitarianism

A philosophical theory that suggests actions are right if they benefit the majority.

Torture

The act of inflicting severe pain to obtain information or punish, often criticized as inhumane.

Retributivism

A theory of punishment that asserts individuals deserve to be punished in proportion to the severity of their crime.

Punishment

The imposition of a penalty in response to a crime.

Public good

The benefit or well-being of the public, considered in legal and political discourse.

Severity of Punishments

The harshness of penalties imposed on individuals for crimes.

Repugnance of Death Penalty

Beccaria's argument against capital punishment, emphasizing it as unjust and unnecessary.

Legal System

The framework of laws and institutions through which justice is administered in a society.

Criminal Justice

The system of practices and institutions for deterring and punishing crime.

Public Morality

Shared principles related to the welfare and good conduct of society.

Honour

A complex societal concept that shapes individual reputations and moral behavior.

Evidence

Information presented in a court to prove the truth of a matter.

Witness Credibility

The degree to which a witness's testimony is deemed reliable.

Clemency

The act of showing mercy or leniency in the administration of justice.

False Ideas of Utility

Misconceptions about what benefits society, often leading to unjust laws.

Moral Sentiments

Emotional responses that guide moral judgments and behaviors.

Classification of Crimes

The categorization of crimes based on their nature and severity.