On Crimes and Punishments

The Treatise On Crimes and Punishments by Beccarria is a seminal work that lays the groundwork for modern criminology. It explores the nature of crime and punishment, advocating for rational and humane approaches to justice. Beccarria challenges the harsh penal practices of his time and emphasizes the importance of deterrence over retribution. His ideas on the social contract and the role of law in society significantly shaped contemporary views on criminal justice and reform.