Introduction to Criminology

Criminology Definition

• Criminology is the scientific study of crime's nature, extent, causes, and control.
• Criminology focuses on both individual and societal aspects of criminal behavior.

Origin of Criminology

• The term "Criminology" was coined in 1885 by Italian law professor Raffaele Garofalo.
• French anthropologist Paul Topinard used the French term "Criminologie".

Scope and Divisions of Criminology

• Criminology encompasses laws, law-breaking, and societal reactions to law-breaking.
• It delves into how laws are made, why laws are broken, and how societies respond to law-breaking.

Sociology of Law

• Examines the nature and structure of laws within a society.
• Aims to scientifically analyze laws to understand crime causation and prevent future crime.

Criminal Etiology

• Focuses on understanding the reasons behind crime causation.
• Explores why crime occurs despite the existence of laws.

Penology

• Studies societal reactions to crime, including responses from individuals, criminals, and the government.
• Contributes to the development of modern measures for treating criminal offenders.

Branches of Criminology

Criminal Etiology/Criminal Behavior

• Investigates the origins and causes of crime.
• Studies reasons for crime commission.

Sociology of Law

• Analyzes the development of criminal laws as a form of social control.

Penology/Correction

• Focuses on crime and delinquency prevention as a form of social reaction to criminality.

Criminalistics/Forensic Science

• Assists in crime detection and investigation by studying physical evidence left at crime scenes.

Nature of Criminology

• A Social Science: Criminology is a social science because it examines crime as a social phenomenon.
• An Applied Science: Criminology utilizes principles and methods from other sciences to analyze and address crime.
• Nationalistic: Criminology focuses on the existing criminal law within a specific territory.
• Dynamic: Criminology evolves alongside social changes, adapting to advancements in other fields.
• Interdisciplinary: Criminology draws insights from disciplines like sociology, psychology, psychiatry, and economics to understand crime.

Importance of Studying Criminology

• It provides a philosophical foundation for life.
• It serves as a foundation for professional careers and social service.
• It helps understand criminals and control criminal behavior.
• It addresses the significant costs associated with crime, including property loss, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

Filipino Criminologist

• Defined as a graduate of a Criminology degree, passed the Criminologist examination, and registered with the Board of Criminology.
• Career paths include: professor, law enforcement administrator, consultant, criminalistics technician, correctional administrator, counselor, and researcher.

Related Studies and Sciences

• Law
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Medicine
• Chemistry
• Public Administration
• Education
• Theology
• Economics

Associated Agencies and Sectors

• Legislative bodies and lawmakers
• Law enforcement agencies
• Courts and Prosecution
• Correctional institutions
• Educational institutions/schools
• Public charitable and social agencies
• Public welfare agencies
• Non-government organizations
• The family and the home
• The church
• Private charitable and welfare institutions
• Civic clubs and organizations
• Print media, radio, and television

Historical Accounts and Evolution of Criminology

Demonological School

• This school viewed crime as demonic possession, attributing criminal behavior to evil forces.
• The penal code focused on driving out the demon through methods like whipping, burning, and other forms of physical torture.

Criticism of Demonological School

• Unscientific and irrational
• Barbaric and cruel penal code

Three Major Criminology Schools of Thought

Classical School

• Focused on individual free will and rational decision-making.
• Argued that proportionate punishment could deter crime.
• Key figures include: Jeremy Bentham and Cesare Beccaria

Positivist School

• Emphasized factors beyond individual control, such as biology, psychology, and social environment.
• Advocated for scientific methods to understand crime and treat criminals.
• Key figures included Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Raffaele Garofalo

Chicago School

• Focused on the role of social environment and urban social structures in influencing criminal behavior.
• Led to the development of community-based interventions and policy changes.
• Key figures included Robert E. Park, Clifford Shaw, and Henry McKay

Biological Theories

• Attributed criminal behavior to biological factors such as genetics, brain abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances.
• Key Figures:
  • Cesare Lombroso: Developed the theory of the "born criminal" based on physical characteristics.
  • Enrico Ferri: Emphasized the interaction of biological, social, and environmental factors in crime causation.

Sociological Theories

• Examined the social and cultural factors that contribute to crime.
• Key figures included:
  • Émile Durkheim: Emphasized the importance of social order and anomie in crime causation.
  • Robert Merton: Proposed strain theory, which suggests that crime arises from a gap between societal goals and legitimate means to achieve them.
  • Edwin Sutherland: Developed differential association theory, which suggests that crime is learned through social interaction.
  • Albert Cohen: Argued that status frustration among lower-class youth contributes to delinquency.

Psychological Theories

• Focused on individual personality, cognitive processes, and mental states as factors in crime.
• Key Figures:
  • Sigmund Freud: Developed psychoanalysis and proposed that unconscious drives and conflicts can lead to criminal behavior.
  • B.F. Skinner: Proposed operant conditioning theory, suggesting that behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments.

Social Control Theories

• Explained crime as a result of weakened social bonds and lack of social control.
• Key Figures:
  • Travis Hirschi: Developed social bond theory, which emphasizes the importance of attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in preventing crime.
  • Walter Reckless: Proposed containment theory, suggesting that internal and external controls can prevent delinquency.

Other Factors Contributing to Crime

• Poverty and economic inequality
• Discrimination and social injustice
• Family dysfunction and breakdown
• Substance abuse and addiction
• Exposure to violence and trauma
• Media influences and cultural factors