Introduction to Criminology

Origin of the Word "Criminology"

• The term "Criminology" originates from the Latin word "crimen" meaning "accusation" and the Greek word "-logia" meaning "study of".
• Italian Professor Raffaele Garofalo first used the term "Criminologia" in 1885.
• French Anthropologist Paul Topinard used the term "Criminologie" in 1889.

Edwin Sutherland's Definition of Criminology

• Edwin Sutherland, considered the Dean of Modern Criminology, defined Criminology as the body of knowledge regarding crimes as a social phenomenon.
• Criminology covers the study of:
  • The process of making laws.
  • The process of breaking laws.
  • The reaction to breaking laws.

Legal Definition of Criminology in the Philippines

• The Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018 (R.A. 11131) defines Criminology as the scientific study of crimes, criminals, and victims.
• The Act also includes the prevention and solution of crime in its definition.

Registered Criminologist in the Philippines

• A Registered Criminologist is a person who holds a degree in Criminology and has passed the examination for Criminologists administered by the Board of Examiners of the Professional Regulation Commission.
• They must possess a valid certificate of registration and a professional identification card issued by the Board and Commission under R.A. 11131.

Nature of Criminology

• Criminology is a social science, studying society and human behavior within it.
• It is an applied science, applying scientific knowledge to real-world situations.
• Criminology is Nationalistic, studying crime in relation to the laws within a particular territory.
• It is dynamic and evolves alongside social conditions.

Principal Divisions of Criminology

• Criminal Etiology: This division analyzes the scientific causes of crimes.
• Sociology of Law: This division focuses on the study of law and its application.
• Penology or Correction: This division studies the punishment and treatment of criminals.

Related Fields of Study

• Criminal Demography: Studies the relationship between criminality and population.
• Criminal Epidemiology: Investigates connections between environmental factors and criminality.
• Criminal Ecology: Studies criminality's spatial distribution within a community.

Explore the origins and definitions of criminology, including significant contributions by key figures such as Edwin Sutherland. This quiz covers both historical and legal perspectives on criminology, particularly in the context of the Philippines. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of criminal justice.