Who is often referred to as the grandfather of modern criminology?

The title of "grandfather of modern criminology" is most accurately associated with Cesare Beccaria. His seminal work, "On Crimes and Punishments," published in 1764, laid the foundation for the classical school of criminology. Beccaria's emphasis on rational thought, free will, and the social contract fundamentally shifted how society viewed crime and punishment. He advocated for the use of reason in the legal system, argued against torture and the death penalty, and suggested that the punishment should fit the crime, all principles that align with a more humane and systematic approach to criminal justice.

His ideas influenced both the development of legal systems and the philosophy of punishment, emphasizing the role of society in preventing crime through fair laws and the protection of individual rights. This forward-thinking approach is why Beccaria is often regarded as a pivotal figure in the establishment of modern criminological thought, earning him the title of the grandfather of modern criminology.