Introduction to Criminology

What is Criminology?

• Comprehensive knowledge concerning crime as a social phenomenon.
• Encompasses law-making, law-breaking, and societal responses to crime.
• Sir Edwin Hardin Sutherland introduced the international definition and is considered the dean of modern criminology.
• Examines crimes, criminals, and societal efforts to manage crime.
• The scientific study of crime causes in relation to individuals and society.

Is Criminology a Science?

• Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey: Criminology is not yet a science, but aspires to be.
• George Wilker argues against it being a science due to behavior variations.
• Republic Act (RA) 11131 defines criminology as a regulated profession in the Philippines and acknowledges its scientific aspects.

Evolution of the Term "Criminology"

• "Criminologia" was coined in 1885 by Italian law professor Raffelle Garofalo.
• "Criminologie" was introduced in 1887 by French anthropologist Paul Topinard.

What is a Criminologist?

• Criminologists develop and test theories explaining crime occurrence through observed behavior.
• Defined as individuals with a criminology degree who pass an examination and are registered by the Board.

Nature of Criminology

• Social Science: Crime as a societal creation, existing within social contexts.
• Applied Science: Utilizes different scientific methods.
• Nationalistic: Studies must relate to existing criminal laws of a specific country.
• Dynamic: Criminology evolves with changing social conditions.

Scope of Criminology

• Studies factors influencing criminal behavior development:
  • Criminal Demography: Examines the link between crime and population dynamics.
  • Criminal Epidemiology: Investigates the relationship between environment and crime.
  • Criminal Ecology: Focuses on crime's spatial distribution within communities.

Classifications of Crimes

• Acquisitive Crimes: Offenders gain something (e.g., theft, robbery).
• Extinctive Crimes: Acts leading to destruction (e.g., arson).
• Seasonal Crimes: Occur during specific times of the year.
• Situational Crimes: Happen when circumstances allow.
• Instant Crimes: Committed quickly.
• Episodical Crimes: Occur over a long period.

Types of Criminal Offenders

• White Collar Crimes: Committed by upper socio-economic classes.
• Blue Collar Crimes: Involved ordinary criminals in their livelihoods.

Specific Types of Crimes

• Homicide: Killing of another person.
• Parricide: Killing close family (parents, spouse, children).
• Infanticide: Killing an infant under three days old.
• Various forms of murder with specific categorizations (e.g., matricide, fratricide).

Criminal Classifications

• Acute Criminals: Impulsive, act on passion or anger.
• Chronic Criminals: Repeat offenders driven by deliberation:
  • Neurotic Criminals: Result from internal conflict.
  • Normal Criminals: Function similarly to typical individuals, but identify with criminal patterns.

Theories in Criminology

• Classical Theory: Proposed by Cesare Beccaria, emphasizing free will in crime.
• Rational Choice Theory: Suggests that individuals make logical decisions for maximum satisfaction.
• Utilitarian Ethical Theory: Jeremy Bentham argues that greatest happiness justifies actions and decisions.
• Neo-Classical Theory: Modifies free will theory, accounting for external influencing factors.
• Italian School (Positive School): Focus on biological, psychological, and sociological determinants of crime.

Historical Contributors

• Cesare Lombroso: Father of criminal anthropology, introduced empirical methods to study crime (discredited ideas).
• Sigmund Freud: Proposed that early emotional experiences significantly impact later behavior through the concepts of Id, Ego, and Superego.
• David Emil Durkheim: Viewed crime as a normal aspect of society; it arises from human differences and social organization.
• Gabriel Tarde: Introduced the Theory of Imitation, highlighting how social interactions influence criminal behavior.