Re-Reading Beccaria: On the Contemporary Significance of a Penal Classic

Cesare Beccarias's 1764 book, On Crimes and Punishments, influenced policy developments worldwide and over decades. This collection addresses different aspects of the criminal justice theory Beccaria offered his readers, considering his political theory of criminal justice through the lenses of political and penal philosophy and how his ideas remain significant from our contemporary perspective. The third part offers a glimpse into the practical difficulties facing Beccarias during his long career in the Habsburg-Lombardian administration.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Cesare Beccarias slim 1764 volume, On Crimes and Punishments, exerted a profound and lasting influence on policy developments across the globe, spanning decades, if not centuries, after its publication. For those who engage with Beccarias work today, this encounter is shaped by the knowledge of its historical significance and its dual nature as a historical document and a repository of ideas.

Appreciating On Crimes and Punishment's dual nature as a historical document and a compendium of ideas, the contributions in this collection address various facets of the criminal justice theory Beccaria presented to his readers. They confront the methodological challenges inherent in engaging with a historical text of this kind, which is often unsystematic and under-argued, while also considering modern scholarly conventions.

In the first part of the book, contributors delve into Beccarias political theory of criminal justice by examining it through the lenses of political and penal philosophy. They explore how Beccarias blend of social-contractarian foundations and proto-utilitarian policy analysis interlinks with the specific criminal justice practices he presents as justified. This analysis leads to the second part, where contributors approach Beccarias ideas with contemporary reforms and developments in mind. Many of his policy proposals and arguments retain their significance from our contemporary perspective, while their limitations and omissions offer valuable insights for the contemporary scholar.

The third part of the collection provides a glimpse into the practical difficulties faced by Beccarias during his long career in the Habsburg-Lombardian administration. It situates his work within the broader context of pathways to criminal justice reform in northern Italy, Habsburgian Lombardy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire during Beccarias time. By examining his experiences and challenges, this part sheds light on the broader societal and political contexts that influenced his ideas and work.

In conclusion, On Crimes and Punishments by Cesare Beccarias remains a seminal text in the field of criminal justice theory. Its influence continues to be felt today, as scholars and policymakers explore its ideas and apply them to contemporary challenges. Through this collection, we gain a deeper understanding of Beccarias contributions to the field and the enduring relevance of his ideas in shaping our understanding of criminal justice and its reform.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509959174