Describe the development of criminological theories from early theories to contemporary theories. Prior to the 1700s, early explanations of deviant and criminal behavior were nonscientific and based...

Describe the development of criminological theories from early theories to contemporary theories.

Prior to the 1700s, early explanations of deviant and criminal behavior were nonscientific and based upon superstitions. The earliest school of criminology (1700s) was the Classical school, whose premise was that crime was a free-will choice. During the early 1800s, the biological theories emerged, with the premise that criminal nature was an inherited characteristic. These early theorists would provide the foundation for the transformation to more modern scientific theories of crime causation.

1. How is a theory tested?

2. What is the difference between Classical and Neoclassical theories?

3. Explain how the premise of psychological theories and sociological theories differ.