Classical Criminology Essay

Classical Criminology is credited with initiating the shift away from rather barbaric forms of torture. In classical criminology, the naturalistic approach of social thinkers had challenged the way of the spiritualistic approach. During this time, the spiritualistic approach was the base for all policies in Europe. This means that every crime had as spiritual meaning for which it was committed. St. Thomas Aquinas, a contributor to the topic, argued that people had a natural tendency to be good rather than evil. He also argued that because they committed a crime it did not just hurt other, it would hurt them.

There were also many other early contributors to classical criminology. John Locke, for instants, argued that a social contract must

The world was starting to be viewed in a more scientific term and realized the world is a complicated place. People started to see factors beyond the individual’s control that may cause their behavior. Also began to view criminal behavior as a defeat that is beyond the individual’s control. Now that the world was starting to be viewed in a different manner, crime started to take place badly. Between the 1960’s and 70’s the crime in the United State was at an all-time high rate. During that time the Classical Criminology had renewed their interest. People also were tired of criminals trying to blame the society and not taking their punishments for committing the crimes. The Social process theory also explains how a person can get involved in crimes from their surroundings. Being social is great but sometimes the wrong company can cause a lot of problems. Not all the time a person is involved in a crime cause of their social life. Committing a crime is by choice no one can make a person do anything he or she does not want to

They both felt that in order for crime to occur three criteria are to be meet. The first criteria is that a suitable target have to be present meaning the individual, object or item. Secondly the absence of a capable guardian meaning an individual that is able to protect the suitable target a pet, sign, etc. Lastly the presents of a motived offender. If for any reasons any of the criteria are absence crime a will not occur. Cohen and Felson also found Alter the Routine Activities Theory: could make a suitable target less desirable and attractive, create a perception that a capable guardian is there, and alter the social circumstance for offenders to get, earn, or obtain the suitable target. While Cohen and Felson where explaining their criteria of how a crime must happen other where trying to found way to prevent crime from