Introduction to Criminology: Definition and Scope

Introduction to Criminology

• Criminology is the entire body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon.
• It includes the process of making laws, breaking laws, and society's reaction to breaking laws.
• Criminology is the scientific study of the causes of crime in relation to man and society.

Definition of a Criminologist

• A criminologist is a person who is a graduate of the Degree of Criminology, has passed the examination for criminologists, and is registered by the Board of Examiners of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Origin of the Word "Criminology"

• The term "criminology" comes from the Latin word "crimen" meaning crime and the Greek word "Logos" meaning "to study".
• The term was first coined by Rafael Garofalo in 1885 and later used by Paul Topinard in 1889.

Principal Divisions of Criminology

• Etiology of Crimes: the scientific analysis of the causes of crimes and criminal behavior.
• Sociology of Law: the investigation of the nature of criminal law and its administration.
• Penology: the study of the control of crimes and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Is Criminology a Science?

• According to George Wilker, criminology cannot become a science because it has not yet acquired universal validity.
• Edwin H. Sutherland hoped that criminology will become a science in the future.

Nature of Criminology

• It is an applied science because it has established universally accepted principles and concepts.
• It is a social science because it studies crime as a social phenomenon.
• It is dynamic because its concepts and applications adapt to changing times.
• It is nationalistic because it considers a country's history, culture, and social norms.

Scope in the Study of Criminology

• Study of the origin and development of criminal law.
• Study of the causes of crimes and development of criminals.
• Study of other sciences that examine criminal behavior using scientific methods.

Sub-Fields of Criminology

• Criminal demography: the study of the relationship between criminality and population.
• Criminal epidemiology: the study of the relationship between environment and criminality.
• Physical anthropology: the study of criminality in relation to physical constitution.
• Criminal psychology: the study of human behavior in relation to criminality.
• Criminal ecology: the study of criminality in relation to spatial distribution in a community.
• Criminal psychiatry: the study of the human mind in relation to criminality.
• Victimology: the study of the role of the victim in the commission of a crime.

Crimes and Criminals

• Crime: an act committed or omitted in violation of public law.
• Act of commission: when an act is committed or omitted in violation of public law.
• Act of omission: when a person fails to perform an act commanded by law.

Triangle of Crime/Elements of Crime

• Desire
• Capability
• Opportunity