Cesare Beccaria (March 15, 1738 – November 28, 1794) was an Italian criminologist, jurist, and philosopher born in Milan, Italy. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the Enlightenment, Beccaria made significant contributions to criminal justice reform and criminal law theory. His ideas emphasized rationality, human rights, and proportionality in punishment, advocating for the abolition of torture and the death penalty.