The theories in crime are always made to ensure understanding of the explanations of the causes of criminal occurrence. In most cases, there are always hopes to discover other new things when the theories are followed in investigating criminal behavior (Schmalleger, 2011). The classical approach in criminology addresses clear thoughts and aspects of the rationality of an individual who commits a particular crime. That means that a person can distinguish between whatever is right and wrong. However, they do this after weighing the pleasure and the hurt they are likely to experience from a given crime.
On the other hand, the neoclassical theory views crimes as activities that are influenced by the available opportunities for committing a crime. The theory posits that more action with a minimal approach is required. , However, it overlooks that the ideas are rooted in hedonism and utilitarianism assumptions.
In the video, the judge uses public shaming, which is the best punishment for the criminal. Such a form of punishment fits in both classical and neoclassical theories. It fits in the neoclassical theory, whose focus is on the significance of character and the dynamics of developing a person’s character (Popa, 2022). It also involves all the rational choices individuals make when faced with criminal opportunities. The approach is commonly used in punishing crime because it is a deterrent to future crimes, just like the judge used body shaming as a practical approach to deterring crime. Also, the punishment fits in the classical theory, which focuses more on individuals who break the law with a rationale of free will (Popa, 2022). That means that the criminal, in this case, broke the law with free will, and they understand the impacts of their action. The classical theory posits that society needs to consistently enforce some punishment that fits the context of a given crime. In this case, public shaming was a response to this crime to help prevent a repeat.
Public shaming is an effective tool when it is used well and in the appropriate situations. That is why all criminal justice leaders need to recognize whatever is inappropriate in any case to avoid the adverse impacts of this form of punishment on a criminal. Even though various criminal justice leaders consider public shaming a practical approach to solving crime, this form of punishment has a long-lasting effect on the criminal (Billingham & Parr, 2020). Public shaming has a negative psychological impact on criminals. It may result in depression, mental challenges, and suicidal thoughts. Individuals suffering from humiliation tend to develop anxiety, PTSD, and paranoia symptoms. They may also exhibit a greater degree of rage towards innocent individuals because shame results in having inmates who are humiliated. In such a case, they may quickly return to criminal behaviors. One of the drawbacks of public shaming is the fact that some individuals consider it to be unethical behavior because it does not have a defined context. Such is attributed to the fact that most of the victims always remain stressed after losing their dignity, which could adversely impact their coping strategies. That is why it is always important to weigh both options before using public shaming as the approach to punishing crime.
References
Billingham, P., & Parr, T. (2020). Online public shaming: Virtues and vices. Journal of social philosophy, 51(3).
Popa, N. D. (2022). Theories of Classical and Neoclassical Criminology. Rev. Universul Juridic, 135.
Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminology today: An integrative introduction. Prentice Hall.
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