The neglected nuance of Beccaria’s theory of punishment

Mark D. White ()
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Mark D. White: College of Staten Island

European Journal of Law and Economics, 2018, vol. 46, issue 3, No 4, 315-329

Abstract: Abstract Cesare Beccaria is widely acknowledged by the pioneers of the economics of crime as an important influence on their work, especially in terms of deterrence and proportionality of punishment. However, there is much more nuance to Beccaria’s writings that economists can learn from, including a unique psychological point of view that predates behavioral law-and-economics, as well as aspects of his prescriptions regarding criminal penalties that resemble retributivism, a theory of punishment often contrasted with deterrence. A deeper appreciation of Beccaria’s work may result in a richer and more humanistic economic approach to crime.

Keywords: Cesare Beccaria; Gary Becker; Punishment; Economics of crime; Deterrence; Retributivism; Psychology; Philosophy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 K14 K42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10657-016-9530-7

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