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

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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

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

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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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Image produced by CRIMPSY.COM about psychopathy

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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A conceptual digital illustration of a woman surrounded by abstract symbols and deep, contrasting colors, representing the fragmented perception, emotional complexity, and inner conflict associated with schizophrenia in criminological analysis.

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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A hooded figure standing in a dimly lit, textured environment with the word “PENOLOGY” boldly displayed, symbolizing the deep and philosophical study of punishment and correctional systems.

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

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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

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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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Bold blood-red typography reading "THE SERIAL KILLER" on a textured grunge background with a dark, moody atmosphere.

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

Serial Killer in Criminology: Theories, Schools, and Thinkers

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An infographic illustrating different schools of criminology, including classical, biological, psychological, and social theories, with focus on serial killer analysis.

Introduction The phenomenon of the serial killer has always captured the attention of criminologists, psychologists, and the general public alike. In criminology, serial killers represent one of the most extreme and disturbing examples of criminal behavior, where individuals repeatedly commit murder over an extended period, usually driven by psychological, social, or biological motives. Unlike ordinary … Read more

The Psychological Profiling of Serial Killers: Inside the Criminal Mind

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Realistic vintage-style illustration of a book cover for "The Psychological Profiling of Serial Killers: Inside the Criminal Mind," featuring a human brain, fingerprint, knife, target symbol, mugshot of a man, and blood splatter.

Introduction: Unlocking the Minds Behind the Murders The phenomenon of serial killers occupies a unique and unsettling space in the realm of criminal behavior. These individuals—responsible for multiple murders committed over a period of time, often following a distinct modus operandi—have long fascinated criminologists, psychologists, law enforcement officers, and the public alike. Their actions defy … Read more

Albert Bandura in Criminology: Social Learning Theory and Crime Prevention

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A black and white photo of Albert Bandura smiling in front of a bookshelf filled with criminology books, with bold text reading "Albert Bandura in Criminology," symbolizing his influential role in linking psychology and criminal behavior through social learning theory.

Introduction: Rethinking Criminal Behavior through Social Learning The study of crime has historically been shaped by competing paradigms—biological determinism, psychoanalytic drives, rational choice, and sociological theories of anomie and strain. Within this vast intellectual terrain, the work of Albert Bandura stands out for offering a framework that is both psychologically sound and socially grounded. Bandura’s … Read more

Social Learning Theory in Criminology: How Bandura Changed Crime Research

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A professional academic portrait of Albert Bandura, featuring him in a dark suit, light blue shirt, and burgundy tie, with glasses and a calm, confident expression, posed against a blue-gray background.

1. Introduction: A Shift in Understanding Criminal Behavior For decades, criminologists have sought to answer a fundamental question: Why do people commit crimes? Early explanations often focused on biological determinism or the idea that criminal behavior stems from innate traits or physical abnormalities. The Classical School, with figures like Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, emphasized … Read more