Reviewer: Major Criminological Theories
I. Introduction to Criminological Theories
Criminological theories are explanations developed by scholars to understand why people
commit crimes, what factors influence criminal behavior, and how crime can be prevented.
They focus on different factors such as:
• Biological characteristics
• Psychological conditions
• Social environment
• Economic factors
• Family and community influence
• Individual choices
II. Classical Theory
Key Proponent:
• Cesare Beccaria
• Jeremy Bentham
Main Idea:
People commit crimes because they make rational choices after considering the benefits and
consequences.
Principles:
• Humans have free will
• Crime is a result of personal decision
• Punishment should be:
o Certain
o Swift
o Proportionate to the crime
Example:
A person decides not to steal because they believe the punishment is greater than the possible
reward.
, Key Concept:
Deterrence – preventing crime by making punishment strong enough to discourage offending.
III. Positivist Theory
Key Proponent:
• Cesare Lombroso
Main Idea:
Crime is influenced by factors beyond a person's control, such as biological, psychological, and
social conditions.
Three Major Factors:
1. Biological Factors
• Genetics
• Brain abnormalities
• Physical characteristics
2. Psychological Factors
• Personality disorders
• Mental processes
• Emotional problems
3. Social Factors
• Family background
• Poverty
• Education
• Environment
Key Concept:
Criminal behavior can be studied scientifically.
I. Introduction to Criminological Theories
Criminological theories are explanations developed by scholars to understand why people
commit crimes, what factors influence criminal behavior, and how crime can be prevented.
They focus on different factors such as:
• Biological characteristics
• Psychological conditions
• Social environment
• Economic factors
• Family and community influence
• Individual choices
II. Classical Theory
Key Proponent:
• Cesare Beccaria
• Jeremy Bentham
Main Idea:
People commit crimes because they make rational choices after considering the benefits and
consequences.
Principles:
• Humans have free will
• Crime is a result of personal decision
• Punishment should be:
o Certain
o Swift
o Proportionate to the crime
Example:
A person decides not to steal because they believe the punishment is greater than the possible
reward.
, Key Concept:
Deterrence – preventing crime by making punishment strong enough to discourage offending.
III. Positivist Theory
Key Proponent:
• Cesare Lombroso
Main Idea:
Crime is influenced by factors beyond a person's control, such as biological, psychological, and
social conditions.
Three Major Factors:
1. Biological Factors
• Genetics
• Brain abnormalities
• Physical characteristics
2. Psychological Factors
• Personality disorders
• Mental processes
• Emotional problems
3. Social Factors
• Family background
• Poverty
• Education
• Environment
Key Concept:
Criminal behavior can be studied scientifically.
