What is a key characteristic of the Positivist School?

A key characteristic of the Positivist School is its application of empirical research. This school of thought emerged in the late 19th century as a response to earlier theories that focused on philosophical and moral explanations for criminal behavior. The Positivist School emphasizes that criminal behavior can be studied and understood through scientific methods and data collection.

Positivists believe that factors such as biology, sociology, and psychology play a crucial role in determining criminality. By relying on empirical research, they seek to uncover the underlying causes of crime and to inform effective interventions and policies. This approach demands rigorous methodologies, statistical analysis, and a focus on observable behaviors and patterns.

In contrast, other approaches, like belief in free will, tend to focus more on individual agency and moral choices. The use of anecdotal evidence lacks the scientific rigor upheld by positivists, and the focus on deterrence primarily relates to a punitive or preventive perspective, rather than a scientific understanding of the causes of crime. Thus, the application of empirical research sets the Positivist School apart as a foundational element in criminology, embodying a commitment to understanding criminal behavior through a scientific lens.