What are the key differences between positivism and classicist approaches to crime control? Which should form the focus of crime prevention policy?

... What are the key differences between positivism and classicist approaches to crime control? Which should form the focus of crime prevention policy? Crime can be defined as "an illegal act or omission prohibited and punishable by law."1 Initially definitions of crime may seem clear-cut and uncontroversial, however on closer examination all is not as straightforward as it seems. In The Problem of Crime, Muncie and McLaughlin question the accuracy of dictionary definitions implying that these pose questions rather than providing answers. They suggest "to appreciate fully the complexities of the question, 'what is crime?' we need to broaden our enquiry to include some understanding of criminal law, social mores and social order." In today's society crime is an ever-growing concern for all including ordinary civilians and those in power. Escalating levels of crime indicate that action must be taken to resolve this issue. Theorists in both the social and criminal

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