THEORIES OF

CRIME CAUSATION
MODULE THEORIES OF CRIME CAUSATION

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 MODULE THEORIES OF CRIME CAUSATION

CHAPTER 4: EARLY GENERAL THEORIES OF

CRIME CAUSATION

Objectives:
a) Recognize the various discipline under the classical
theory of crime causation
b) Understand the principle of positive theory and
critical theory of crime causation

DEMONOLOGICAL THEORY

Demonological Theory – it was based on

the belief of primitive people that every object and
person is guided by a spirit. This theory promoted
the notion that persons should not be held
responsible for their actions when they do evil
things because their body is possessed by evil
spirit.

CLASSICAL THEORY

Classical Theory – postulated by Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy

Bentham, Classical Theory was consistent with the utilitarian view
that people weigh the benefits and costs of future action before they
decided to act. Therefore, “the punishment should fit the crime”.

It promoted the idea that people choose criminality

the same way when they choose conformity, that youths
commit crime because they think or imagine the greater
good things can be earned through conformity. This is
because people by nature are hedonistic. Hedonism is a
doctrine that pleasure is the highest good in life and that
Cesare Beccaria (left) and
Jeremy Bentham (right)
moral duty is fulfilled through the pursuit of pleasure.
Classicists have four good reasons why delinquent
persons and offenders should be punished:

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 MODULE THEORIES OF CRIME CAUSATION
a. General Deterrence – punishment of delinquents and
criminal offenders will strike fear in the hearts of other
people, thus making them less likely to commit acts of
delinquency or crimes.
b. Specific Deterrence – punishment will strike fear in the
hearts of wrongdoers, thus making them less likely to
offend others again.
c. Incapacitation – the simplest form of jurisdiction;
wrongdoers should be locked up in jail since while they
are imprisoned in an institution, they cannot commit
offenses against other people in the outside world.
d. Retribution – this reason objects the idea that anything
good or useful will follow or result from punishing
offenders.
o Criminal or delinquents should be punished because they deserve it;
a punishment is morally right and just in light of the harm and
damage caused by the offense.
o Punishing criminals has no positive effect on the minds and hearts
of the people.

POSITIVE/ITALIAN THEORY

Positive or Italian Theory – this theory was developed

by Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri and Raffaele Garofalo.
Positive theory promoted the idea of determinism as a way of
explaining crime and delinquency. Determinism means that
every act has a cause that is waiting to be discovered in the
natural world.
Positivist believed that the causes of juvenile
delinquency could be identified through the application of the
scientific method. Once causes were discovered, the individual
offender could be treated (or rehabilitated) much as the
medical doctors treat the causes of harmful illness.
Positive theory blames delinquency or biological,
psychological and sociological factors.
Cesare Lombroso
Enrico Ferri
Raffaele Garofalo

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CRITICAL THEORY

Critical Theory – critical criminologist and

sociologists view criminal behavior as a byproduct of
existing social arrangements. This theory blames
delinquency on the imbalance of power within the
human society.

TITLE LINK
Determinism vs Free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCGtkDzELAI
Will
Classical School of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b0L2tdRF1o
Criminology
Auguste Comte:
Positivism and the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofmnGmI115E
Three Stages

Reference:
Alviola, A. (2014). Criminology and Psychology of Crimes. Philippines: Wiseman’s
Books Trading, Inc.
Alviola, A. (2012). Juvenile Delinquency. Philippines: Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

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