Classical Criminology And Human Nature

Classical criminology, and its recent casey anthony expression in rational choice theory, does not cut slack in terms of excusing, or otherwise mitigating, counterproductive and maladaptive social behaviors. An essential component is the assertion you are responsible and accountable for your actions. No matter how much you blame others, abuse substances, claim "victimization" or invoke the nebulous notions of alleged "mental illness", classicists remain unmoved. From this historic school of thought, as well as its variations, the primary philosophical notion is that people are always responsible for their behaviors, especially when they choose to do harm to others.

From the arrogant greed of corporate criminal conspiracies, to the assassination of a public official, the perpetrator is self-motived, intentional and premeditated. The rationality of choice means purposeful decision-making, especially if you are a terrorist, or others like those in the news media and politicians, who seek to mitigate that by claims you have somehow mysteriously become "radicalized". Criminality and human behavior in general, regardless of the criminal typology, from street crimes to commercial fraud, involve decisive "cost-benefit" analyses. The basis is gain minus the risk.