The Essence of Criminology: Definitions, Scientific Foundations, and Key Objectives

A conceptual illustration representing the essence of criminology, showing symbolic elements related to crime, justice, and social analysis.

Crime has always represented one of the most complex and troubling phenomena facing human societies. From ancient civilizations to modern nation-states, communities have continuously sought to understand why individuals engage in behavior that violates social norms, disrupts public order, and threatens collective security. As societies evolved and crime took on increasingly diverse forms—ranging from traditional … Read more

Jeffrey Epstein and Criminology: Applying Lombroso, Sutherland, and Marx’s Theories

Epstein Jeffrey on his private island in the Caribbean

Jeffrey Epstein (1953–2019) was an American businessman who gained international notoriety due to his involvement in a large-scale sexual exploitation case targeting children and underage girls, as well as his connections to prominent political, economic, and academic figures. These associations placed him at the center of one of the most controversial criminal scandals of the … Read more

The Ideas of Edwin Sutherland in Criminology

A true image of the thinker Edwin Sutherland

Edwin Sutherland is considered one of the most prominent criminologists of the twentieth century and one of the true founders of the social school in criminology. His ideas represented a fundamental turning point in explaining criminal behavior, as he shifted attention from biological and individual psychological factors to social and interactional factors. Below is a … Read more

The Scientific Nature of Criminology: The Opposing Trend and Its Main Criticisms

A dark and mysterious forensic setting featuring the phrase 'Criminology is not a science !' in glowing orange text at the center. The scene includes an open book with a magnifying glass, fingerprints, laboratory glassware, a microscope, a glowing DNA strand, and scattered investigative tools, creating a scholarly and dramatic atmosphere.

Is Criminology a Science The question of whether criminology can be regarded as a true science has long occupied a central place in criminological and philosophical debates. Since its emergence as an independent field of study, criminology has sought to explain criminal behavior through systematic observation, empirical research, and theoretical frameworks inspired by the natural … Read more

Expanded Concepts of Criminology: Ferri, the Austrian School, and Sutherland

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Criminology is one of the human sciences whose intellectual roots can be traced back to early philosophical reflections on crime, morality, and social order. Ancient Greek philosophers, particularly Plato and Aristotle, sought to understand criminal behavior through ethical reasoning and the pursuit of justice, viewing crime as a moral deviation that threatened the harmony of … Read more

George Vold’s Conflict Theory: Principles, Applications, and Criticisms

Artistic depiction of conflict theory in criminology based on George Vold | George Vold’s Conflict Theory

In the scholarship of criminology, the nature of crime has been scrutinized from many angles—psychological, biological, sociological, and structural. Among these perspectives, conflict theory stands out for highlighting power struggles and social inequality as fundamental sources of criminal behavior. Conflict theory posits that crime cannot simply be reduced to individual failing; it also emerges from … Read more

Psychopathy in Criminology: Theoretical Foundations, Diagnostic Methods, and Criminal Implications

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Introduction to Psychopathy Psychopathy is one of the most complex, controversial, and deeply studied constructs in criminology. It represents a profound disturbance in personality functioning, characterized by emotional detachment, lack of empathy, superficial charm, manipulation, pathological lying, impulsivity, and a striking absence of remorse. Although the term itself has roots in early psychiatric traditions, its … Read more

Schizophrenia in Criminology: A Scientific and Philosophical Perspective

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Introduction In criminology, the study of the relationship between mental disorders and criminal behavior has always represented one of the most complex and controversial fields of inquiry. Among the mental illnesses that have captured the attention of both criminologists and psychiatrists, schizophrenia stands out as a disorder that profoundly challenges our understanding of criminal responsibility, … Read more

Penology: Definition, Theories, and Modern Applications in Criminal Justice

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Introduction Penology is a specialized branch of criminology and criminal justice that examines the philosophy, methods, and effectiveness of punishment. It focuses on how societies penalize offenders and how they can be corrected, reformed, and reintegrated into society. The concept of penology bridges law and social science, highlighting the deep relationship between crime, justice, and … Read more

Born Criminal Theory by Cesare Lombroso: Definition, Impact, and Criticism

Antique book titled "The Born Criminal" by Cesare Lombroso resting on a wooden surface

the born criminal The history of criminology is filled with debates over whether crime is a product of nature, nurture, or a combination of both. In the late 19th century, one of the most influential and controversial figures in criminology, Cesare Lombroso, introduced the concept of the “Born Criminal.” His theory suggested that some individuals … Read more

Schizophrenia and Psychopathy in Criminology: A Comparative Analysis

A historical-style painting depicting Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, Sigmund Freud, and another thinker, each representing different criminological schools—Biological, Positivist, Psychoanalytic, and Social—highlighting their contributions to the study of mental disorders in criminology.

Introduction: Schizophrenia and Psychopathy The study of criminal behavior has always been closely linked with the understanding of human psychology and mental health. From the earliest days of criminology, scholars have attempted to explain why certain individuals engage in deviant or violent acts while others, despite facing similar conditions, do not. Within this context, the … Read more

The Concept of the Serial Killer: A Scientific Perspective

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Introduction The concept of the serial killer has long fascinated criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, and even the general public. Unlike other forms of homicide, serial killing involves a repetitive cycle of violence, psychological compulsion, and symbolic meaning. The serial killer is not only a legal category but also a social and cultural construct, deeply embedded in … Read more