The modern criminal justice system developed in response to historical conditions, philosophical debates, and reform movements aimed at addressing injustice and inequality. One of the most influential figures in shaping criminal justice philosophy was Cesare Beccaria, whose Enlightenment-era ideas challenged torture, arbitrary punishment, and unequal application of the law.
As you begin this course, understanding the historical and philosophical foundations of criminal justice will help you better analyze how the system operates today.
Assigned Reading: Pioneers in Criminology: Cesare Beccaria Monachesi, E. (1955). Pioneers in Criminology. IX. Cesare Beccaria (1738–1794). The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, 46(4), 439–449.
Focus your reading on the following pages:
Pages 439–441 (historical background) Pages 441–444 (core principles of punishment and justice) Pages 447–449 (Beccaria’s lasting influence) Prompt (Required Discussion): After completing the assigned reading, respond to the following question:
How did learning about the history and philosophy of criminal justice, particularly Beccaria’s ideas, influence or reinforce your decision to take this course? Submission Requirements: For full credit, you must submit either:
A minimum 200-word written post, or A 5-minute video response You must respond to at least one of your classmates, either with a video reply (more than 2 minutes long but no more than less 5 minutes) or a written comment.