Classical Criminology & Positivism

Classical Criminology

A school of criminology that argues people freely choose to commit crime after weighing costs and benefits.

Positivism

A school of thought that explains crime through observation, measurement and scientific evidence

Free Will

The ability to choose whether to offend

Determinism

The idea that behaviour is caused by factors outside an individual's control

Social Contract

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

Deterrence

Preventing crime through punishment

Proportionality

Punishment should match the seriousness of the offence

Utilitarianism

The belief that actions should produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number

Hedonistic Calculus

The process of weighing pleasure against pain before deciding.

Judicial Discretion

A judge's ability to determine the most appropriate sentence

Empiricism

Knowledge gained through observation and research

Epistemology

The study of how knowledge is produced and justified

Biological Positivism

Explains crime through biological characteristics

Atavism

Lombroso's theory that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks

Biological Determinism

The belief that biology determines behaviour

Sociological Positivism

Explains crime through social structures and environmental influences.

Social Facts

Objective social patterns that influence individual behaviour

Post-Positivism

Uses scientific inquiry while recognising that complete objectivity is impossible

Classical Criminology vs Positivism

Classical: Crime is a choice.
Positivism: Crime has causes.