The Death Penalty: A Classical Criminology Analysis and Critique

This essay explores the concept of the death penalty through the lens of classical criminology, arguing against its justification. Referencing the classical school of criminology developed in the 18th century by J. Bentham and Beccaria, the essay highlights their belief that punishments should be proportional to the crime, with the cost of the crime outweighing its reward. The essay discusses how modern criminological theories, including Marx's theory, strain theory, and labeling theory, do not support capital punishment. It emphasizes the global movement towards abolishing the death penalty due to its violation of fundamental human rights. The essay concludes that the death penalty should be banned worldwide, as it inflicts suffering not only on the accused but also on their family and friends. Desklib provides access to this essay along with a wealth of study resources and solved assignments for students.

Running head: DEATH PENALTY IN UNJUST
DEATH PENALTY IS UNJUST
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1DEATH PENALTY IS UNJUST
Introduction:
In this assignment, the concept of death penalty in the light of classical criminology is
being analyzed. It is widely established that death penalty denies the most basic human rights,
the right to life. The entire world is moving towards a position to achieve the world wide
abolition of death penalty as it is totally unjust and unfair (Kim 2016).
Discussion:
In this part of the assignment, the classical school of criminology is being referred to
(Chen and Einat 2015). It was developed in the 18th century when the classical thinking
introduced in response to the cruel punishments that was dominant then. The two contributors of
this theory were J.Bentham and Beccaria. Since its introduction, the use of capital punishment
declined. None of them believed in the death penalty. Baccaria believed that punishments must
be proportional to the seriousness of the offences such that cost of crime is more than its reward.
This approach became the basis of all modern criminal judicial system.
Death penalty can be analyzed in the light of different theories like Marx theory in which
Karl Marx was sympathetic to the retributive justification of punishment. The Marxists oppose
the capital punishment. According to strain theory, the society puts pressure on people to achieve
social goals that force them to commit crimes. Again, labeling theory states that people identify
and behave in such a way that shows how others label them. None of the theories in the present
day support death penalty. Many countries have already banned it, Venezuela being the first. It is
never consistent with fundamental human rights principle (Snacken 2015).

2DEATH PENALTY IS UNJUST
Conclusion:
The people all over the world must demand the ban of death penalty as nothing is more
precious than life. It can never be any form of punishment where instead of original accused, his
family, friends bear the actual of the offence committed.

3DEATH PENALTY IS UNJUST
References:
Chen, G. and Einat, T., 2015. The relationship between criminology studies and punitive
attitudes. European Journal of Criminology, 12(2), pp.169-187.
Kim, D., 2016. International non-governmental organizations and the abolition of the death
penalty. European Journal of International Relations, 22(3), pp.596-621.
Snacken, S., 2015. Punishment, legitimate policies and values: Penal moderation, dignity and
human rights. Punishment & Society, 17(3), pp.397-423.