What is a foundational concept of the Classical School of criminology?

The Classical School of criminology is primarily centered around the idea that individuals possess free will and that their decisions to engage in criminal behavior are based on rational choice. This school of thought emerged in the 18th century with key figures such as Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, who argued that people are rational beings capable of making choices that can be influenced by the potential consequences of their actions. The belief in free will suggests that individuals have the power to choose whether to commit a crime based on an assessment of pleasure versus pain.

This concept is fundamental because it laid the groundwork for modern criminal justice practices, emphasizing that laws should be clear and punishments should be proportionate to the crimes committed. The focus on rational choice also implies that making punishments swift, certain, and adequate can deter individuals from choosing to engage in criminal activities.

In contrast, elements such as an emphasis on sociological factors, the rehabilitation of offenders, or the notion of predetermination do not align with the Classical School's principles. Those factors reflect different theories of criminology that consider societal influences, the potential for reforming offenders, or concepts of determinism that negate free will, which are outside the fundamental beliefs of the Classical School.