Question

Which of the following are the characteristics of radical criminology?
A. It rejects the individualistic approach to crime causation.
B. Instead of explaining the fact of deviance with reference to the society within which it occurs, it gives importance to social power.
C. It questions the rightfulness of law.
D. It postulates the 'free-will' of deviants.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

To distinguish between criminological schools:
{Classical School} = Free Will & Rational Choice.
{Positive School} = Determinism (Biological, Psychological factors).
{Radical/Critical School} = Power, Class Conflict & Capitalism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Radical Criminology, also known as Critical or Marxist Criminology, is a school of thought that emerged in the 1960s. It analyzes crime and the justice system from the perspective of social class, power, and inequality.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the characteristics:

A: This is true. Radical criminology rejects theories that blame crime on individual pathology (like biological or psychological defects) and instead focuses on the role of societal structures.
B: This is true. It argues that crime is not just a feature of society, but a consequence of the power dynamics within it, particularly the conflict between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). The powerful define what is criminal to protect their interests.
C: This is true. It views law not as a neutral or just code of conduct, but as an instrument of the ruling class used to maintain social and economic order and suppress dissent. It questions the legitimacy of the legal system itself.
D: This is false. The concept of 'free-will' is the central tenet of the Classical School of Criminology (associated with Beccaria and Bentham). Radical criminology is deterministic, arguing that social and economic conditions, not free choice, compel people towards criminal behavior.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements A, B, and C are core characteristics of radical criminology, while D is a characteristic of the Classical School. Thus, the correct option is A, B and C only.