Neoclassical Theory In Criminal Justice

The Enlightenment philosophy was a group of thinkers who stated that classical theory was the “scientific” worldview based on reason. (Bohm & Vogel, 2011) “The classical theory in criminal justice suggests that an individual who brakes the law does so with a rational free will, understanding the effects of their actions” (Schatz, 2017). It is believed that people are freewill and responsible for their actions; however, people behaviors were different; considering, they are believed to be motivated by “hedonistic rationality,” which pleasure for their actions outweighed their pain. According to Jeremy Bentham, “human beings committed crimes in this view” (Bohm & Vogel, 2011, p. 15). Therefore, certain environments were a reason for rational
The neoclassical theory was a modification of classical theory because of all its failures of the way to deterrence crime through punishment. Together classical and neoclassical theories are used in the criminal justice systems in the United States today. Therefore, the neoclassical theory brings forward the premise of the typical ‘just desserts’ principle, which the approach is if the classical theory does not achieve complete deterrence, society needs to see that criminals are punished in the way that they deserve. (Law Teacher, 2017) Classical theory believes that the problem of crime should be tackled by concentrating a mild punishment imposed reliably and immediately on the offense itself; all criminals who commit the same offense are punished the same, regardless of any mitigating circumstances such as punishment for crime should not be too severe. (Law Teacher, 2017) The neoclassical theory was supposed to be dominant; however, it included self-defense or mistake of fact; therefore, classical theory re-emerged as the “justice model” and rational choice
L., (2011). A Primer on Crime & Delinquency (3rd Ed.). Belmont, CA Wadsworth Cengage Learning. p. 15. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from https://www.betheluniversityonline.net/cps/default.aspx?SectionID=5980&tabid=

Law Teacher (2017). Different Theories of Crime. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from https://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/criminology/different-theories-of-crime.php

Schatz, B. (2017). Classical Theories in Criminal Justice. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from https://legalbeagle.com/7457240-classical-theories-criminal-justice.html

Swan, R. (2017). Neoclassical Criminology: School & Theory. Retrieved November 21, 2017, from