Module 1: Definition and Principles in Criminology
Definition of Criminology
In its broadest sense, criminology is the entire body of knowledge regarding crimes, criminals
and the effort of society to prevent and repress them.
In narrower sense, criminology is the scientific study of crimes and criminals.
The term criminology was coined in 1885 by Italian law professor Raffaele Garofalo as
Criminologia, later French anthropologist Paul Topinard used analogous French term
Criminologie.
Nature of Criminology
Generally, Criminology cannot be considered a science because it has not yet acquired universal
validity and acceptance. It is not stable and it varies from one time and place to another.
However considering that science is the systematic and objective study of social phenomenon
and other bodies of knowledge, criminology is a science in itself when under the following
nature.
1. It is an applied science – in the study of the causes of crime, anthropology, psychology,
sociology and other natural sciences may be applied. While in crime detection, chemistry,
medicine, physics, mathematics, ballistics, polygraphy, legal medicine, questioned document
examination may be utilized. This is called instrumentation.
2. It is a social science – in as much as crime is social creation that it exist in a society being a
social phenomenon, its study must be considered a part of social science.
3. It is dynamic – criminology changes as social condition changes. It is concomitant with the
advancement of other sciences that have been applied to it.
4. It is nationalistic – the study of crimes must be in relation with the existing criminal law
within the territory or country. Finally, the question as to whether an act is dependent on the
criminal law of a state. It follows therefore, that the causes of crime must be determined from
its social needs and standards.
Scope of the study of Criminology
1. Study of the origin and development of criminal law or penal law.
2. Study of the causes of crime and development of criminals.
3. Study of different factors that enhances the development of criminal behavior such as:
a. Criminal demography – study of the relationship between criminality and population.
b. Criminal Epidiomology – study of the relationship between environment and
criminality.
c. Criminal Ecology – study of criminality in relation to special distribution in a
community.
d. Criminal Physical Anthropology – study of criminality in relation to physical
constitution of men.
e. Criminal Psychology – Study of human behavior in relation to criminality.
f. Victimology – study of the role of the victim in the commission of a crime.
Some of the major areas of studies in criminology:
1. Dactyloscopy – the science of fingerprinting.
2. Police Photography – the black and white photograph / digital
3. Polygraphy – science of lie detection examination.
4. Ballistics – study of firearms and bullets.
5. Questioned document examination – study of disputed documents.
6. Penology – jail management and prison administration
7. Police supervision and administration
8. Investigation and detection of crimes.
9. Industrial security management
10. Traffic Accident Investigation
11. Others
