ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Neo-classical school (criminology)

The neo-classical school of criminology means that when someone decides to break the law, they are making a decision based on what they think will be the benefits and drawbacks. It's like when you decide to eat a cookie before dinner, you weigh the pros and cons (the good and the bad) and decide if it's worth it.

This theory says that people who break the law might be looking at what they are getting out of it, like money or power, and also thinking about what could happen if they get caught, like going to jail. If they think the benefits are worth the risk, they might decide to break the law.

However, this theory also says that people who break the law might change their minds or not do it if the punishment is really harsh. This is like if you were going to take a cookie before dinner but you knew your mom would ground you for a week if she caught you. You might decide the cookie is not worth the punishment.

This theory is important because it helps people understand why some people might decide to break the law, and it also helps law enforcement think about how they can prevent crime by making punishments more strict.