Classical Criminology Theory

What is the classical school of criminology and what are the main points of this theory. Cesare Beccaria was a key thinker of this theory and is also considered by some the founder of modern criminology. Classical school of criminology theory placed emphasis on human rationality and free will. Second off this theory unlike the others researched the prevention of crime not the criminals. Also, according to this theory, crime was the result of people …

…us because it focused on the reasons why people commit crimes not on the deviant behaviors themselves. Beccaria and his followers had a great impact on our country it is what our constitution and current laws are based upon. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. "Cesare Beccaria". http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/b/beccaria.htm Keel, Robert. "Rational Choice and Deterrence Theory". http://www.umsl.edu/~rkeel/200/ratchoc.html Siegel, Larry. "Criminology". Canada: Thomas Learning, Inc, 2003.