Question

Several criminology students are discussing their views on crime causation. Which student has adopted the Classical School viewpoint?

a) The student who emphasizes the role of genetics in criminal behavior
b) The student who focuses on social inequality as a cause of crime
c) The student who argues that individuals make rational choices to commit crimes
d) The student who believes that crime is primarily a result of psychological disorders

Answer 1

The Classical School viewpoint in criminology is adopted by the student who argues that individuals make rational choices to commit crimes, based on free will and a cost-benefit analysis of the potential actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of criminology, the student who has adopted the Classical School viewpoint is the one who argues that individuals make rational choices to commit crimes. This perspective is rooted in the Classical School of criminology, which posits that people use free will to make reasoned decisions, and that they weigh the potential benefits of criminal actions against the possible costs, such as punishment. The Classical School suggests that to deter crime, punishments must be certain, swift, and proportionate to the offense.