Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

According to classical theory, what should punishment be based on?

1. The opinion of the community

2. The severity of the crime

3. The discretion of law enforcement

4. The background of the offender

The correct answer is: The severity of the crime

Punishment, according to classical theory, should be based on the severity of the crime. This principle emerged from the philosophical ideas of thinkers like Cesare Beccaria, who argued that the purpose of punishment should be to deter crime and maintain social order. Classical theorists maintain that the punishment must be proportionate to the offense committed, emphasizing that more serious crimes should incur harsher penalties. This creates a rational system where individuals can anticipate the consequences of their actions based on the nature of the crime. Consequently, it promotes fairness and predictability within the justice system, as society expects that similar crimes will result in similar punishments. In contrast, other choices emphasize subjective influences or variables that can lead to inconsistencies in how justice is administered, such as community opinion, the discretion of law enforcement, or an offender's background, which classical theory seeks to minimize in favor of a more objective and structured approach to punishment.