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 Statistical Method and the Interrogative Method in Criminology

A black-and-white hand-drawn illustration showing an interrogator and a suspect. The diagram highlights three steps of the interrogation method: open-ended questions, psychological pressure, and breaking silence.

Introduction Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It aims to analyze the causes, nature, and consequences of criminal acts in society. Within this field, researchers use various tools to uncover patterns, test theories, and interpret criminal phenomena. Two core methodologies dominate criminological research: the statistical method and … Read more

Born Criminals: Exploring the Origins, Science, and Controversy Behind Criminal Behavior

Illustration of Cesare Lombroso, the founder of the born criminals theory, presenting his early criminological ideas.

Introduction The term “born criminals” refers to individuals who are presumed to possess innate tendencies toward criminal behavior, attributed to biological or hereditary factors. This idea has generated intense debate in criminological thought, with its roots stretching back to the 19th century. Often associated with the Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso, the theory of born criminals … Read more

The Father of Modern Criminology: Cesare Lombroso’s Legacy and Impact

A classic portrait of Cesare Lombroso, the father of modern criminology

Introduction The study of criminology has undergone profound transformations over centuries, transitioning from philosophical musings to a scientifically grounded discipline. At the heart of this transformation stands Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the “father of modern criminology.” His revolutionary approach, which applied scientific methods to the study of crime and criminals, challenged traditional perspectives … Read more

The Father of Criminology: Cesare Lombroso and His Enduring Legacy

Cesare Lombroso in his study examining skulls – The Father of Criminology

Who is Cesare Lombroso? Cesare Lombroso, often regarded as “The Father of Criminology,” was an Italian physician and criminologist who revolutionized the study of criminal behavior in the 19th century. His groundbreaking theories on criminal anthropology laid the foundation for modern criminology, introducing the idea that criminal tendencies could be biologically determined. Why is Cesare … Read more

Enrico Ferri’s concept of criminology

Widescreen illustration of Enrico Ferri in a scholarly study with books and legal documents, representing his criminological concepts.

Introduction Criminology as a discipline is devoted to unraveling the mysteries of crime—its origins, its effects, and the best ways to address it. Enrico Ferri, an Italian criminologist and one of the founding figures of the positivist school of criminology, argued that criminal behavior could not be solely explained by the idea of free will. … Read more

The Criminal Man: A Revolutionary Study in Criminology (Cesare Lombroso)

A captivating representation of The Criminal Man with dramatic lighting, mysterious figures, and historical criminology elements.

Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the father of modern criminology, introduced groundbreaking theories that transformed the understanding of criminal behavior. His seminal work, The Criminal Man (L’uomo Delinquente), published in 1876, marked a pivotal shift from classical criminology to a scientific approach based on biological determinism. Lombroso’s theory suggested that criminality is inherited and … Read more

The Formative School: The Classical Formative School and the Modern Formative School

Cesare Lombroso presenting his theory of born criminals

The Formative School represents a pivotal paradigm in criminology, emphasizing the exploration of criminal behavior through biological, psychological, and sociological lenses. Emerging as a response to classical theories, this school of thought bridges scientific rigor with practical applications. By examining the origins and evolution of criminal tendencies, the Formative School has significantly contributed to understanding, … Read more

Lombroso’s Theory and Its Evaluation: A Historical Insight into the Classical Formation School of Criminology

Lombroso's Theory and Its Evaluation: A Historical Insight into the Classical Formation School of Criminology

Introduction The Classical Formation School of criminology marks a significant turning point in understanding crime and criminal behavior. Among its most influential contributors was Cesare Lombroso, an Italian physician and criminologist whose theories profoundly shaped the early development of the field. Lombroso introduced the idea that criminality was biologically determined, challenging the classical view that … Read more