According to the classical school of criminology, what is the main justification for punishment?

The classical school of criminology, which emerged during the Enlightenment in the 18th century, is primarily concerned with the notion of rational choice and free will. According to this school of thought, individuals are seen as rational beings who weigh the costs and benefits of their actions. Therefore, the main justification for punishment within this framework is deterrence.

Deterrence serves two key purposes: it aims to discourage the individual who committed the crime from reoffending (specific deterrence) and seeks to prevent others in society from committing similar offenses (general deterrence). The underlying belief is that if the penalties for criminal behavior are perceived as severe and certain, individuals will be less likely to engage in unlawful activities. This focus on the utilitarian aspect of punishment reflects the classical school’s emphasis on preventing future crime rather than seeking revenge or administering penalties that might not lead to a net benefit for society.

While other concepts such as retribution are also discussed in the context of punishment, they do not encapsulate the rationale of the classical school as effectively as deterrence does. In this framework, punishment is justified mainly as a means to maintain social order and prevent further harm, which aligns closely with the utilitarian principles championed by figures like Cesare Becc