Cesare Beccaria

Date of Birth: March 15, 1738

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: November 28, 1794

Biography

Cesare Bonesana-Beccaria, Marchese di Gualdrasco e Villareggio, commonly referred to as Cesare Beccaria, was an Italian criminologist, jurist, philosopher, and politician, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the field of legal and penal reform. Born on March 15, 1738, in Milan, Beccaria belonged to an aristocratic family and received his formal education at the University of Pavia, where he graduated with a degree in law in 1758. Beccaria is best known for his seminal work, “On Crimes and Punishments” (1764), which condemned torture and the death penalty and advocated for criminal justice reform. His ideas were revolutionary for the time and laid the groundwork for modern criminal law and the development of a more humane justice system. Beccaria’s work influenced various legal reforms across Europe and the Americas and contributed to the formation of classical criminology. In addition to his legal work, Beccaria was a member of the “Academy of Fists,” an intellectual group that promoted Enlightenment ideals in Italy. He also served as a professor of law and economics, and later held several public offices, including as a member of the Supreme Economic Council of Milan. Beccaria passed away on November 28, 1794, in Milan, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact the fields of law, criminology, and human rights.

5 Interesting Facts about Cesare Beccaria

1. Beccaria’s “On Crimes and Punishments” is considered a foundational text in the field of criminology.

2. He was heavily influenced by the Enlightenment thinkers, particularly the French philosophers Montesquieu and Voltaire.

3. Beccaria was a strong advocate against the use of torture and capital punishment, proposing instead the idea of proportional punishment.

4. His work inspired numerous legal reforms across Europe, including in countries such as France and Austria.

5. Beccaria’s ideas also influenced the United States’ Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Cesare Beccaria

1. “The purpose of punishment is not to torment a sensible being, nor to undo a crime already committed.”

2. “It is better to prevent crimes than to punish them.”

3. “Crimes are more effectively prevented by the certainty than the severity of punishment.”

4. “Man is a free agent and is bound only by the laws which he has made.”

5. “The severity of punishments should be in proportion to the crime.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Cesare Beccaria was an 18th-century intellectual and did not accumulate wealth in the way modern figures might. His value lies in his intellectual contributions rather than financial achievements.

Children

Cesare Beccaria had one daughter, Giulia Beccaria, who was born on August 22, 1777. Giulia Beccaria later became the mother of the famous Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, known for his novel “The Betrothed” (“I Promessi Sposi”).