Western societies have punished criminal behavior since ancient Greece, with different approaches to deterring crime and reducing recidivism over time. U.S. criminal law developed from influences including English common law and increasing concerns with public order and safety. While criminal laws aim to balance security and individual freedoms, some argue alternative approaches may better address the root causes of crime.

1. History of Criminal Law and Punishment
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Pioneers in Criminology: The Historical
Development of CriminologyLinks to an external site. and Evolution of PunishmentLinks to
an external site.. Additionally, watch 002 History of US Law and What Is the Law?Links to an
external site.Western societies have been punishing criminal actors since ancient Greece.
This begs the question of whether or not punishment is an effective means of crime control
and recidivist reduction. As you explore the balance of freedom versus security and the
history of criminal punishment, be willing to think of new ways to address and deter
criminal behavior.If your last name begins with the letters A through L: Detail the history of
criminal law. List and explain the major forces that created U.S. criminal law. Provide an
opinion of whether or not criminal law provides the most effective way to deal with crime
and recidivism. Your post must weigh the challenge between keeping people safe and
protecting individual liberties. Offer one or two suggestions for improvement to the current
criminal law system within which we operate.