Criminology Schools | Criminology and its Theories

Schools of Criminology

Criminology, as a multidisciplinary field, has evolved through various theoretical schools that attempt to explain the causes and nature of criminal behavior. Among the most significant are the Formative School, the Psychoanalytic School, and the Social School. Each of these schools has contributed uniquely to understanding crime, its motivations, and possible prevention methods. This article … Read more

Cesare Beccaria: The Pioneer of Classical Criminology

Portrait of Cesare Beccaria in a scholarly setting with books and manuscripts.

Cesare Beccaria (1738–1794) is widely recognized as one of the founding figures of classical criminology. His groundbreaking work, Dei delitti e delle pene (On Crimes and Punishments), published in 1764, profoundly influenced the development of modern legal systems and criminological thought. By advocating for rationality, proportionality, and fairness in the administration of justice, Beccaria sought … Read more

Cesare Lombroso: The Father of Modern Criminology

Scientific contributions of Cesare Lombroso

Cesare Lombroso, often hailed as the “Father of Modern Criminology,” revolutionized the study of crime by introducing a scientific approach to understanding criminal behavior. Prior to Lombroso, criminology was largely influenced by moralistic and philosophical perspectives, with little emphasis on empirical evidence. Lombroso’s groundbreaking theories, particularly his concept of the “born criminal,” laid the foundation … Read more

Contributions of Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Garofalo to Criminology

Contributions of Lombroso, Ferri, and Garofalo to Criminology

Introduction Criminology, as a scientific discipline, has undergone significant evolution since its inception. The 19th century witnessed a paradigm shift from philosophical and theological explanations of crime to empirical and scientific approaches. At the forefront of this transformation were three Italian scholars: Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Raffaele Garofalo. Together, they laid the foundations of … Read more

The Positivist School and the Anthropological Interpretatio

A historical depiction of Cesare Lombroso studying a skull in a 19th-century laboratory, surrounded by books, anatomical models, and criminal sketches, symbolizing the Positivist School's scientific and anthropological approach to criminology.

Introduction The emergence of the Positivist School marked a revolutionary phase in criminology, steering the discipline towards a more scientific approach to understanding criminal behavior. By focusing on empirical evidence, the Positivist School challenged earlier philosophical and moralistic interpretations of crime, offering a framework rooted in observable and measurable phenomena. Central to this movement was … Read more

Early Scientific Interpretations Before the Positivist School : History of criminology

A historical depiction of a 19th-century scholar analyzing facial features and skull shapes in a classic library setting, symbolizing early scientific studies on criminal behavior before the positivist school.

The study of crime and criminal behavior has long intrigued philosophers, theologians, and early scientists. Before the emergence of the positivist school in the 19th century, interpretations of criminal behavior were shaped by religious doctrines, philosophical inquiries, and nascent scientific approaches. These interpretations laid the groundwork for the evolution of criminology as a distinct field. … Read more

The Historical Journey of Criminology: From Early Theories to the Positivist School

Image reflecting the academic theme of the essay on the historical journey of criminology.

The study of criminology has evolved over centuries, mirroring the broader progress of human thought and scientific discovery. At its core, criminology seeks to understand the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior—an endeavor that has been shaped by diverse philosophical, religious, and scientific perspectives. As societies grappled with the challenges of crime and deviance, … Read more

Garo Vallo’s Contributions to Criminology

Garo Vallo's Contributions to Criminology

Garo Vallo is a distinguished figure in the field of criminology, whose groundbreaking theories and innovative approaches have left a lasting impact on the study of crime and its underlying causes. As criminology has evolved into a multidisciplinary science, contributions like Vallo’s have enriched its theoretical and practical dimensions. This article delves into Garo Vallo’s … Read more

The Future of Criminology: criminal justice?

The Future of Criminology: How It Contributes to Advancing Criminal Justice?

Criminology, as a dynamic field, continuously evolves to address the complexities of crime and justice in a changing world. The future of criminology is poised to play a crucial role in advancing criminal justice by leveraging emerging technologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and adapting to new challenges in global and local contexts. This article explores how … Read more

Schools of Criminology: A Comprehensive Analysis of Theories

Schools of Criminology: A Comprehensive Analysis of Theories and Ideas

Criminology, as a field, encompasses diverse schools of thought that provide varied perspectives on crime and criminal behavior. From biological explanations to sociological frameworks, these schools of thought reflect the evolving understanding of crime over time. This article delves into the major schools of criminology, analyzing their foundational theories and contributions to the field. 1. … Read more