Final Answer:
Jeremy Bentham, considered the father of Classical Criminology, advocated for punishment proportionality. His utilitarian philosophy, encapsulated in the felicity calculus, stressed a rational evaluation of the consequences of punishment based on intensity, duration, certainty, and propinquity of pleasure or pain, influencing the Classical School's approach to criminal justice.
c) Jeremy Bentham
Step-by-step explanation:
Jeremy Bentham, often regarded as the father of Classical Criminology, asserted that punishment should be proportional to the crime. His utilitarian philosophy aimed at maximizing overall happiness and minimizing pain. Bentham introduced the concept of the "felicity calculus," wherein the severity of punishment should be based on the intensity, duration, certainty, and propinquity of pleasure or pain resulting from the criminal act. This approach advocates for a rational and systematic evaluation of the consequences of punishment, emphasizing the importance of deterrence to prevent future crimes.
Bentham's utilitarian perspective on crime and punishment emphasizes the need for a careful balancing act between the severity of punishment and the deterrent effect it produces. The felicity calculus involves a quantitative assessment, factoring in the various elements that contribute to the overall impact of the punishment. By considering the immediate and future consequences of the punishment, Bentham's approach seeks to achieve a proportional response to the committed crime. This utilitarian framework laid the foundation for the Classical School of Criminology, influencing subsequent discussions on criminal justice and punishment.
In conclusion, Jeremy Bentham's assertion that punishment must be proportional to the crime reflects the core tenet of Classical Criminology. His utilitarian philosophy and the felicity calculus provide a structured and rational framework for determining the appropriate level of punishment based on the consequences of the criminal act. This approach continues to influence contemporary discussions on criminal justice, emphasizing the importance of a measured and proportionate response to criminal behavior.