Who is often regarded as the grandfather of modern criminology?

Cesare Beccaria is often regarded as the grandfather of modern criminology due to his pioneering contributions to the field in the 18th century. His seminal work, "On Crimes and Punishments," published in 1764, laid the groundwork for classical criminology and significantly influenced the development of modern legal and criminal justice systems.

Beccaria's ideas emphasized rational thought as the basis for human behavior and argued for a more humane and systematic approach to punishment. He advocated for the principle that punishments should be proportionate to the crimes committed and should serve as a deterrent rather than as acts of vengeance. His belief in the importance of due process and individual rights challenged the arbitrary nature of justice at the time, promoting the idea that laws should be clear, public, and based on the social contract rather than on the whims of rulers.

The contribution of Beccaria to criminology provided a foundation for later theorists and remains relevant in discussions of justice reform today. His emphasis on rationalism and social contract theory contrasts with the more biological determinism attributed to Lombroso or the sociological perspectives of Edwin Sutherland and William Chambliss, reinforcing Beccaria's status in the field.