Classical Theoretical Model of Crime and Punishment, Essay Example

The classical model of crime and punishment was based on the principle that individuals will be less likely to commit crimes if there is a punishment for them. However, classical systems were typically unjust and these practices were guided by fear because the punishment would often be harsher than the crime itself. Although the current criminal justice system has evolved past this intensity, there are still many aspects of it that mirror the classical model. For example, the death penalty is still legal in many states and it is difficult to argue that death serves justice for any crime. In addition, the method by which many police officers monitor people in order to prevent crimes are unjust.

The classical model of crime and punishment is often described as barbaric and many people believe that the death penalty mirrors the practice of providing harsh punishment for simple crimes. While it is certainly necessary to punish murderers, for example, the “tooth for a tooth” principle dictated in Hammurabi’s code is an archaic code of ethics that we should no longer follow. Therefore, punishment in this scenario may be just if the criminal is committed to jail for life.

Modern law enforcement mimics the classical method of crime and punishment because it is now unjust in terms of how it attempts to stop crimes from being committed in the first place. For example, the “stop and frisk” method being used in New York City and other municipalities has been shown to stop crime, but is unjust because it involves racial profiling that results in random and embarrassing searches of many people who are innocent. Although criminals are caught, it is important to determine whether this is worth imposing upon the rights and liberties of people. It is essential to avoid de-evolution back to the principles that we upheld in classical theoretical crime and punishment.