Classical Theory And Psychological Positivism - 1557 Words

The human desire to comprehend and resolve criminal behaviour prevails through history, manifesting in constantly evolving theories through the annals of Criminology. The modern crime depicted in the scenario portrays the dual aspects of both the offender as an individual and the offense of robbing a local convenience store. This scenario may be analysed through the two schools of Classical theory and Psychological Positivism, relating to the perpetual debate that has sparked the revisionist stream of criminological theories which has culminated in the conception and treatment of crime by the modern criminal justice system. The contemporary Criminal Justice System has been informed by the two differing explanations of the causation of†¦show more content†¦Crime claims a pervasive presence throughout history, stimulating a parallel development of criminological theories proposing various explanations for the causation of crime stemming from the 18th century school of Classica l Theory. Emerging from the context of the Enlightenment Era, Classical theory posits that individuals such as the offender in the given scenario, is in possession of free will and consciously committed the crime of robbing the convenience store through the application of â€Å"rational calculus† (Coleman Norris 2000, p.18). Bentham argues that the crime stems from the offender’s cogent examination of the possible pleasures gained from the robbery with the potential pain of subsequent repercussions whilst being motivated by a hedonistic mentality (Canals 1960, p.543). The doctrine of hedonism is the crucial element driving an individual to commit an act of criminality, whose principal tenant designates that the offender is primarily driven by the desire to attain the highest level of pleasure. Amalgamated with the robber’s ability to comprehend the legal ramifications of the crime, the offender has broken the â€Å"social contract† through lucid choice a nd decision, likely placing monetary benefits gained above moral considerations and the punishment for robbing a convenience store which is likely, as classicism theorises, insufficient for the crime (Hirschi, 1969). Classical