The strict logic of the era of classicism, presented in the works of Cesare Beccaria, speaks of the full responsibility of a person for his misdeeds. According to this theory, any person is accountable for what is being done, since people as a whole are looking for satisfaction from their actions. Consequently, the actions of the criminal are conditioned by the rational pursuit of profit or pleasure.
The rational theory was developed in order to prevent crime and proceeds from the fact that before committing a criminal act, a person rationally weighs his benefits, chances, risks and opportunities.
However, the modern criminologist Katz writes about a special type of pleasure associated with experiencing an acute situation, as well as with the sensations from the location where the crime is committed.
Speaking about the history of punishments, one should characterize their evolution and purpose. The classicists adhered to the principle of tit for tat. Their followers, neoclassicists, believed that punishment should serve as a sign of suggestion for society in the name of preventing the very idea of ​​committing further similar crimes. They proceeded from the rational theory that the cruelty of punishment should stop a person from committing a crime, since they simply would not take such a risk.
In this context, it is interesting to consider the judicial case of the murder of Travis Alexander by his ex-girlfriend Jody Arias. Based on the thoroughly documented legal proceedings, it follows that the murder was committed by a sociopath, capable of not showing destructive aspects of his behavior for a long time (Sartreschi, 2017).
Arias and Alexander’s relationship can be characterized as toxic and codependent, increasingly showing unsettling precursors to the outbreak of violence that has occurred.
Speaking of the level of elaboration of Jody’s plan, it appears as spontaneous, but nevertheless rationally put into action. Arias expresses absolute intransigence in the implementation of his plans, regardless of their rationality. This applies not only to her crime, but also to the odious defense strategy in the courtroom.
Reference
Sartreschi, C. M. (2017). Jodi Arias: A case of extreme violence. Violence and Gender, 4(3). DOI: 10.1089/vio.2017.0021