Cesare Beccaria

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Cesare Beccaria

Italian criminologist

Also known as: Cesare, Marchese di Beccaria Bonesana

Written by Francis A. Allen

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Nov 24, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: Cesare Bonesana, marchese (marquess) di Beccaria

Born:: March 15, 1738, Milan [Italy]

Died:: November 28, 1794, Milan (aged 56)

Notable Works:: “An Essay On Crimes and Punishment”

Subjects Of Study:: political economy; criminal law; punishment; reform

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Cesare Beccaria (born March 15, 1738, Milan [Italy]—died November 28, 1794, Milan) was an Italian criminologist and economist whose Dei delitti e delle pene (1764; Eng. trans. J.A. Farrer, Crimes and Punishment, 1880) was a celebrated volume on the reform of criminal justice. Beccaria was the son of a Milanese aristocrat of modest means. From an early age, he displayed the essential traits of his character. A highly volatile temperament resulted in periods of enthusiasm followed by depression and inactivity. He was reserved and somewhat taciturn in his social contacts but placed great value on his personal and family relationships. ...(100 of 990 words)

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