He was born in March of1738 in Milan, Italy to an
aristocratic family.
Received his law degree from the University of Pavia.
In 1760 he proposed marriage to 16 year old Teresa Blasco, which
was against his father’s wishes.
They would marry the following year, but began married life
in poverty because his father was so against the union.
The philosopher was very reserved and silent, but would have
violent mood swings, especially when dealing with his depression.
He would have three children, the first being born in 1962.
considered a major figure during Milan’ Enlightenment.
On Crime and punishments
Major work during his career.
A friend in 1763 suggested that he do a study into the criminal
law. He didn’t exactly have the
experience, but followed the suggestion.
This work came out anonymously in 1764 for fear of
retribution from the government, and once he knew it was well received he
republished it under his own name.
Beccaria took an approach of reason or logic to criminal law
and the justice system.
What is it
He argues for a complete reform of the criminal law.
Says that the punishment should fit the crime, attempting to
get people to get rid of the ancient and barbarous punishments that were going
on during his time.
The government does not have the right to take the life of a
citizen.
Believes that life in prison was a much crueler punishment
than death.
The severity of the punishment is not as much as a deterrent
as the punishment being swift and sure.
It’s suggests a type of checks and balances of the judicial
system in a way.
What is it Continued
He claimed that punishment has a purpose—to prevent crime
from happening again. This utilitarian argument is what Beccaria elaborated the
most and what finally proved persuasive”
(http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cesare_Beccaria).
It influenced criminal law reform all throughout Europe.
It had a very significant impact on the establishment of the
American judicial system in general, the Bill of Rights and constitution.
Interesting links if you have time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JEhbkSDOX8 (Video
explaining Beccaria’s treatise)
Wrap up
Near the end of his life he became depressed and withdrew
from family and friends.
Died November 28th 1794 in his birth place Milan, Italy.
His theories still impact the judicial systems even today.
For America, his major treatise has helped to abolish the death penalty in some
states.
Sources
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cesare_Beccaria_in_Dei_delitti_crop.jpg
https://www.biography.com/people/cesare-beccaria-39630
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cesare-Beccaria
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cesare_Beccaria
https://books.google.com/books?id=FRDtZqosmnEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Crimes+and+punishments+by+Cesare+Beccaria&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9s7nBrebXAhWm44MKHdHDAkQQ6AEIMjAC#v=onepage&q=Crimes%20and%20punishments%20by%20Cesare%20Beccaria&f=false
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JEhbkSDOX8
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