What principle did criminologists of the 1700s believe provided justification for laws and punishments?

Criminologists of the 1700s, particularly those influenced by Enlightenment thought, emphasized the principle of utility as a justification for laws and punishments. Utility refers to the idea that actions should be judged by their consequences in terms of overall happiness or welfare for the greatest number of people. This principle posits that laws should serve a social purpose and contribute to the well-being of society, rather than merely serve as punitive measures.

The utilitarian approach supports the establishment of laws based on their ability to deter crime and protect citizens, aligning legal policies with moral reasoning centered around the greatest good. This contrasts with other principles, such as retribution, which focuses on punishment as a form of revenge for wrongdoing, or equity and justice, which concern fairness and moral rightness in a broader sense. In summary, utility stood out during the 1700s as a transformative concept, shaping the rationale behind legal systems and the administration of justice.