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🏛️ Classical School of Criminology 1. Historical Background Before the 18th century, crime and punishment were based on superstition, religion, and arbitrary power . People believed that criminals were influenced by evil spirits or the Devil , and punishment was harsh, inhumane, and public — such as torture, mutilation, or execution without fair trial. In the 18th century (Age of Enlightenment) , thinkers began to focus on reason, individual liberty, and human rights . This led to the birth of the Classical School of Criminology , which emphasized rationality, free will, and proportional justice . 2. Definition The Classical School of criminology believes that crime is the result of free will and rational calculation by individuals who weigh the benefits of crime against the pain of punishment. Thus, punishment should be certain, swift, and proportionate to deter crime. 3. Major Philosophers A. Cesare Beccaria (1738–1794) Italian criminologist and author of “Dei ...