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Which statement reflects the Classical School of thought on criminal groups?

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Final answer:

The Classical School of thought on criminal groups believes crime results from individual rational choice, with laws and punishments designed to deter. It does not fully consider systemic issues like the influence of power on the legal system, exemplified by disparities in punishments for the powerful versus the less privileged.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Classical School of thought on criminal groups posits that crime is the result of individuals making rational choices based on the perceived benefits and consequences. Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, pioneers of this school, advocated that laws should be clear and punishments should be certain and swift to deter criminal behavior. They believed that society's response to crime should be systematic and just, reflecting the idea that individuals are free-willed and calculate risks versus rewards before engaging in criminal acts.

In the context of international power and how the privileged few influence the legal system, the Classical School would suggest that those with power often manipulate laws to serve their interests. Crime and social class are interconnected, as the powerful can influence what is considered criminal and consequently escape harsh punishments, exemplified by the discrepancy in punishment severity between NFL players convicted of domestic violence and the general populace.

However, the Classical School’s emphasis on individual rationality and choice does not consider the systemic nature of crime, which might be influenced by social disorganization and factors beyond the control of the individual. As such, the Classical School might not fully address the complexities highlighted by the unequal distribution of power and its influence on the definition and punishment of crime.

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