The limitations of classicism and the neo-classical compromise

Question 1

The classical theorist had…

Answer 1

ignored differenced between individuals

Question 2

Who were treated exactly alike?

Answer 2

Offenders and recidivist

Question 3

Who were treated as truly rational and competent without being so?

Answer 3

Children and the insane

Question 4

Who modified the rigorous doctrines of pure classical theory?

Answer 4

Rossi (1787), Garrays (1849-1930) and Joly (1839-1925) by revising the doctrine of free will

Question 5

How was responsibility looked at in the neo-classical theory?

Answer 5

Adults were responsible for their actions, but children and in some cases the elderly, where recognized as less capable of either criminal or non criminal behavior. The insane may be even less responsible.

Question 6

Who helped in courts to define responsibility in the neo-classical theory?

Answer 6

Non-legal experts where admitted into courts for the first time in order to identify the impact of individual biological, psychological and social differences with the purpose od deciding the extent to which offenders should be held responsible for their actions.

Question 7

How was punishment in the neo-classical theory?

Answer 7

• Recognized that a particular punishment would have a particular effect on different people.
• However, there was no recognition that certain structures are more conductive to free choice than others.

Question 8

What did the neo-classical theory retain from the rational actor model?

Answer 8

They retained the central rational choice actor model notion of free-will except on some occasions.