Sociology Plus
Classical Criminology Definition
Classical criminology refers to the traditional theoretical approach to crime, which developed primarily during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This school of thought was founded on the premise that individuals are inherently criminal by inclination, necessitating strict societal controls and punitive measures to maintain order. Classical criminologists posited that there exists a fundamental antisocial instinct within people, which must be managed by society to establish social equilibrium. Consequently, this perspective rejects the notion of mitigating circumstances that could excuse an individual’s behaviour or actions in committing wrongdoing.
Origins and Core Tenets
The classical approach emerged during a period of significant philosophical and social change, focusing on rational thought and the establishment of legal systems. Its central tenet is deterministic: crime results from inherent human nature rather than situational factors.
Societal Control
Classical theorists argued that strict controls and punishment are essential mechanisms for regulating this innate antisocial instinct. The focus shifts from understanding the causes of individual acts to establishing the necessary structure of society required to manage potential deviance effectively.