* Rationality: Criminals are rational actors who weigh the potential pleasure or benefits of committing a crime against the potential pain or punishment. They make a conscious decision to commit a crime after this cost-benefit analysis. This contrasts with earlier views that attributed crime to supernatural forces or inherent wickedness.
* Hedonism: Individuals are driven by the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. This is the foundation of the cost-benefit analysis mentioned above. Crimes occur when the pleasure derived outweighs the anticipated pain of punishment.
* Free Will: Individuals have free will and are responsible for their actions. This implies that individuals are capable of choosing between criminal and lawful behavior. This is crucial for assigning culpability and justifying punishment.
* Deterrence: Punishment should be designed to deter crime. This involves making the potential pain of punishment greater than the potential pleasure of the crime, thus discouraging individuals from committing crimes in the first place. Deterrence can be specific (deterring the individual from reoffending) or general (deterring others from committing similar crimes).
* Proportionality: Punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed. This means that the severity of the punishment should fit the severity of the offense. This principle seeks to ensure fairness and justice.
* Due Process: Individuals accused of crimes are entitled to fair and equal treatment under the law. This includes a fair trial, legal representation, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. While not explicitly central to all Classical thinkers, it became a closely related ideal.
* Social Contract: Society is based on a social contract where individuals voluntarily surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for protection and order. Crime is a violation of this contract, justifying societal intervention through the criminal justice system.
It's important to note that the Classical School is not without its criticisms. It has been criticized for its overly simplistic view of human behavior, its neglect of social factors influencing crime, and its potential for harsh and indiscriminate punishment. Nevertheless, its principles continue to influence contemporary criminal justice systems, particularly in areas like sentencing guidelines and the emphasis on deterrence.