Which philosophical category underpins much of the current American criminal justice system?

The classical theory is foundational to much of the contemporary criminal justice system in the United States. This philosophical framework emerged during the Enlightenment and emphasizes the concepts of free will, rationality, and the social contract. It posits that individuals have the capacity to make decisions and should be held accountable for their actions.

Central to classical theory is the belief that punishment should be proportional to the crime, acting as a deterrent to future offenses. This perspective has influenced many aspects of the criminal justice system, including the development of laws and sentencing guidelines that aim to provide consistency and fairness in how justice is administered.

The ideas of well-known philosophers like Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham are integral to this theory. They advocated for a system that prioritizes the prevention of crime through appropriate punishment rather than through cruel or arbitrary measures. As a result, principles derived from classical theory continue to shape modern legal practices, law enforcement strategies, and correctional policies in the American criminal justice framework.