It has now become a question of style for American authors to list Cesare Beccaria among the forerunners of the economic analysis of criminal law,1 with specific reference to the work entitledDei delitti e delle pene (On crimes and punishments) (1764).2

Beccaria was born in Milan, Italy to a wealthy aristocratic family. He studied at a private college in Parma and graduated from the University of Pavia Law School at the age of 20. During his lifetime Beccaria held leading administrative posts in the Council of Lombardy and served as provincial magistrate, while remaining an active member of cul­tural circles and a proponent of legislative reform.

More on the topic It has now become a question of style for American authors to list Cesare Beccaria among the forerunners of the economic analysis of criminal law,1 with specific reference to the work entitledDei delitti e delle pene (On crimes and punishments) (1764).2: