Causes of Criminal Behavior

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the classical theory of crime causation, one of the major theoretical perspectives in the field. The paper begins by describing Cesare Beccaria who is generally seen as the founder of this theory. Several of his influences are evaluated, including ideas regarding the nature of punishment which are central to his theory. The paper evaluates the classical theory in light of modern criminology. A chart entitled 'Comparison of Classical and Positivist Schools' is included.

Outline:
Introduction
Man Pleads Guilty
Classical Causes
Vital Components
Foundation and Focus
Causes Contributing to Frank's Crimes?
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"The Classical Theory, one of the major theoretical perspectives of crime causation, will not fully explain Frank's criminal behavior. This theory may, however, shed a bit of light on the underlying factors contributing to his dark deeds. "Cesare Beccaria - 'the Rousseau of the Italians' (Beirne, 1993:14) - is generally seen, at least symbolically, as the founder of this movement." (Carrabine, Iganski, Lee, Plummer & South, 2004, p. 32 - 33) Beccaria, a humanist born in Milan, Italy in 1738, feverishly worked for the eradication of injustice and illogicality of the judicial system prior to and continuing into his day."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carrabine, E., Iganski, P., Lee, M., Plummer, K., & South, N. (2004). Criminology: Sociological Introduction. New York: Routledge.
• Crime and punishment. (2006). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved July 14, 2006, from Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-53431.
• "Cybercrime - High Tech crime." (2006). JISC Legal Information Service. Retrieved 15 July 2006 from: http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/cybercrime/cybercrime.htm.
• Hall, John. (2006). "Man pleads guilty in identity theft case." North County Times. Retrieved 15 July 2006 from: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/04/08/news/californian/4_7_0422_09_54.txt.
• Livius, Titus. (1996). Roman historian. Histories, XXVIII, 28. The Columbia World of Quotations. New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved 15 July 2006 from: http://www.bartleby.com/66/61/36561.html.

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