Analysis of Classical and Positive Schools of Criminology

Analysis of Classical and Positive Schools of Criminology
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Classical and Positive schools of thoughts on criminology
The classical school on criminology considers a man as a calculating animal who undertakes criminal activities out of a free will and involves rational thoughts. It also argues that people's actions are guided by the principle of pleasure, which pushes them to commit crimes believing that they can get away with it. For example, when James sees an expensive watch he always wanted but cannot afford, he decides to steal it. When it comes to punishment, the school of thought agrees that it is necessary and is guided by the need for punishment for the crime committed. Such punishment should happen immediately; the criminal should face this punishment and should be severe enough to discourage the individual from committing similar crimes in the future. Nevertheless, it asserts that punishments that seek to introduce shame and humiliation, such as torture or death, should be avoided.
The positive school of criminology argues that criminal acts are abnormal conditions in individuals influenced by factors beyond their control. These factors can be biological, mental, personal, or learned deficiencies, which differ depending on a criminal's personality and socialization degree. The school of thought dated its existence in the late 19th century when there was an attempt to link criminal activities with psychological characteristics. For instance, parental negligence was considered li...