by Yogi P - August 17, 2023

Schools of Criminology: Understanding Crime and Criminal Behavior

Origin and Definition of Criminology

The term Criminology is derived from the Latin words ‘crimen’ meaning ‘crime’ and ‘logus’ meaning ‘study or knowledge,’ and was coined in the year 1890. Criminology is a socio-legal study aiming to discover the causes of criminality and suggest appropriate remedies.

According to Edwin Sutherland, criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. Donald Taft defines criminology as the study of crime and criminals, with a goal of reforming the criminal behavior or conduct that society condemns.

Core Elements of the Study

In essence, criminology as a subject deals with:

• Criminal acts
• The criminals
• The victims of the crime (direct or indirectly)
• Crime causation theory
• Detection and prevention of crimes from potential offenders
• Effectiveness of the criminal justice system

A Closer Look at Schools of Criminology

The Schools of Criminology developed majorly during the 18th and 19th centuries. There are four popular Schools of Criminology:

• Pre-Classical School
• Classical School
• Positivist School
• Neo-Classical School

Pre-Classical School of Criminology

The Pre-Classical School, also known as the demonological school, originated during the 17th century when explanations for criminal behavior were sought through spirits and demons. During this time, crime was attributed to unknown forces and offenders were presumed to be under the influence of some external power.

Classical School of Criminology

The Classical School of Criminology, driven by thinkers such as Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, emerged as a response to the demonological school. This school is rooted in the belief that individuals possess free will and make conscious choices based on pleasure and pain. Beccaria proposed that punishments should be proportionate to the seriousness of crimes, laying the groundwork for modern criminal justice systems.

Key Theories of the Classical School:

• Rational Choice Theory: Individuals commit crimes based on a conscious choice, when the benefits outweigh the costs.
• Routine Activities Theory: Crime rates are affected by the convergence of motivated offenders, attractive targets, and a lack of effective guardians.
• Situational Choice Theory: This theory posits that an individual’s behavior is based on situational constraints and opportunities.

Positivist School of Criminology

The Positivist School, also known as the Lombrosian School, emerged in the late 19th century. Pioneered by Cesare Lombroso and Enrico Ferri, this school posits that criminal behavior is a result of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Unlike the Classical School, the Positivist School of Criminology focuses on the criminal rather than the crime.

Neo-Classical School of Criminology

The Neo-Classical School bridges the gap between total free will and determinism. It argues that individuals have limited free will and that their behavior can be influenced by various factors. This school introduced the concept of mitigating factors, allowing a judge to consider an offender’s age, mental condition, and environment when determining punishment.

Conclusion

The evolution of the School of Criminology has significantly shaped our understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. From attributing crime to demonic possession to understanding the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, criminology continues to evolve as a critical field of study.

Frequently Asked Questions on the School of Criminology

What is the School of Criminology?

The School of Criminology refers to various theoretical perspectives that seek to explain the causes of criminal behavior and the social response to crime. Major schools of criminology include the Pre-Classical, Classical, Positivist, and Neo-Classical schools.

What is the main focus of the Classical School of Criminology?

The Classical School of Criminology, developed in the 18th century, focuses on the idea that individuals have free will and make rational decisions to commit crimes based on a cost-benefit analysis.

Who are some key figures in the development of criminology?

Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, Cesare Lombroso, and Enrico Ferri are some of the key figures in the development of various schools of criminology.

How does the Positivist School of Criminology differ from the Classical School?

While the Classical School assumes that people have free will and make rational decisions to commit crimes, the Positivist School focuses on external and internal factors, such as biological, psychological, and social factors, that may predispose individuals to criminal behavior.

What is the Neo-Classical School of Criminology?

The Neo-Classical School of Criminology, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, recognizes that people’s behavior can be influenced by various factors and that their degree of free will may be limited under certain conditions.

What is the Rational Choice Theory in criminology?

The Rational Choice Theory posits that individuals commit crimes based on a rational calculation of the potential benefits and costs of breaking the law.

What contributions did Cesare Lombroso make to criminology?

Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the father of modern criminology, is known for his theory that criminality was inherited and could be identified by physical traits—a foundational concept in the Positivist School of Criminology.

How does criminology influence modern criminal justice policies?

Criminology provides valuable insights into the causes of crime and the effectiveness of various criminal justice strategies, thus helping policymakers to develop evidence-based and effective crime prevention and control measures.

What are the career prospects for someone studying criminology?

Individuals with a background in criminology may work in various fields, including law enforcement, corrections, social work, legal services, policy analysis, academic research, and more.

Can the study of criminology help in crime prevention?

Yes, the study of criminology can help in crime prevention by providing insights into the causes of criminal behavior and suggesting evidence-based strategies to reduce and prevent criminal activities.