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Northern Essex Community College

Module 3 Presentation Activity

Review the presentation overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview
Neoclassical criminology emerged as a response to the limitations of the Classical School by acknowledging that not all individuals exercise free will in the same way. These ideas significantly influenced how punishment is justified and applied within modern legal systems.
In this assignment, you will analyze the development of neoclassical criminology, examine Beccaria’s philosophy of punishment, and assess how those ideas continue to shape contemporary criminal justice policy and practice.
Student Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the presentation and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Analyze the role of free will, rationality, and individual circumstances in neoclassical criminological thought (SLO2).
  • LO2: Examine how Beccaria’s philosophy of punishment continues to influence contemporary criminal justice policy and practice (SLO2).
Presentation Topic
Neoclassical criminology refined classical ideas by introducing greater attention to individual circumstances and proportionality in punishment.
In your paper, address the following:
  • Explain how neoclassical criminology emerged from the Classical School and why this shift was necessary.
  • Identify and analyze key contributions of neoclassical criminology to the field of criminology and criminal justice.
  • Explain Beccaria’s philosophy of punishment, including his views on deterrence, proportionality, and certainty.
  • Analyze how Beccaria’s ideas can be observed in contemporary criminal justice practices or policies.
Your response should focus on analysis and application rather than summary.
Acceptable & Ethical Use of AI

AI tools may be used only in ways that support learning and academic integrity.

  • Use AI to clarify Beccaria’s core ideas or the distinctions between classical and neoclassical criminology. Do not use AI to write sections of the paper.
  • Use AI to identify modern criminal justice practices that reflect classical or neoclassical principles, then independently analyze those examples using course concepts.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your presentation.

  • Your presentation should be 8-10 slides, using APA style, including 12 font and 1-inch margins.
  • A minimum of at least two (2) sources, with proper APA citations in a Reference Page and proper in-text citations.
  • You are expected to have detailed speaker notes.
  • Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
    • Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
    • AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your presentation through the designated submission area.
  • Ensure your file is in [accepted format: PowerPoint, PDF, video, etc.].
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. Follow course policies regarding academic integrity and the use of outside sources or tools.