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.