Introduction to Criminology

Contributions to Criminology

• Criminology integrates various disciplines, including law, jurisdiction, jurisprudence, anthropology, sociology, history, and medicine.
• Considered a hybrid field, criminology merges elements from sociology, psychology, forensic medicine, and legal theory.
• Continues to evolve by incorporating new areas like victimology.

Definitions of Criminology

• Edwin H. Sutherland and Donald R. Cressey define it as "the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon."
• Paul Topinard coined the term "criminologie" in 1887, marking the beginning of the formal study.
• Encompasses law-making processes, law-breaking behaviors, and societal responses to crime.

Purposes of Criminology

• Investigates reasons for variations in crime rates.
• Explores individual differences in criminality.
• Examines societal reactions to crimes.
• Seeks effective methods to control criminal activity.

Goals of Studying Criminology

• Aims to describe criminal behavior comprehensively.
• Seeks to understand the underlying factors of criminal actions.
• Strives to predict future criminal behavior.
• Works towards controlling and preventing criminal activities.

Nature of Criminology

• Not universally recognized as a science due to variability in acceptance and stability across time and regions.
• Contains characteristics of an applied science, social science, and is dynamic and nationalistic.

Related Fields of Study

• Incorporates studies from law, medicine, chemistry, psychology, religion, education, social work, and public administration.
• Engages with various governmental agencies such as legislative bodies, law enforcement, courts, correctional institutions, and social welfare agencies.

Scope of Criminology

• Explores the origins and development of criminal law.
• Investigates causes of crime and profiles of criminals.
• Analyzes factors influencing criminal behavior, including demographics, ecology, psychology, and victimology.

Criminology in the Philippines

• The Philippine College of Criminology was the first institution to offer criminology courses in the country.
• Offers various programs, including Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. in Criminology.
• Significant academic contributions from other universities in Metro Manila and across the Philippines.

Licensure Examination for Criminologists

• The examination includes subjects like criminal jurisprudence, law enforcement, crime detection, criminalistics, correctional administration, and criminal sociology.
• Each subject has defined weight towards the overall score, indicating areas of focus for aspiring criminologists.

Role of a Criminalist

• A trained professional specializing in scientific techniques for crime detection and evidence analysis.
• Involves identifying, examining, and interpreting physical evidence from criminal cases.
• Engages in forensic analysis and provides expert testimony in legal settings.
• Distinction exists between criminalists and criminologists, with any individual capable of becoming a criminalist through adequate training.

This quiz delves into the foundational aspects of criminology, exploring its interdisciplinary nature and historical context. Learn about key definitions, purposes, and goals of criminology as a study of crime and its societal implications. Test your understanding of how various fields intertwine to inform criminological practices.