Criminology

The concept of criminology, its scientific nature and scientific research methods

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

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

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

Analyzing Criminal Behavior: Key Theories and Modern Approaches

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A horizontal image showing yellow crime scene tape with the words "CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS" and a shadowy figure in a hoodie behind it, overlaid with the bold title “Analyzing Criminal Behavior.”

Introduction: Why Analyzing Criminal Behavior Matters Understanding the causes and manifestations of criminal behavior is a cornerstone of modern criminology. Through the lens of psychology, sociology, biology, and law, analyzing criminal behavior helps researchers, law enforcement, and policymakers develop effective strategies for crime prevention, rehabilitation, and justice. This article explores the most significant approaches used … Read more

What Is Conflict Theory? Understanding Crime and Power in Society

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Illustration representing cultural conflict in criminology, highlighting opposing social forces and inequality, with symbolic references to Karl Marx's class struggle theory.

Introduction To Conflict Theory Conflict Theory is one of the most influential perspectives in the field of criminology. Rooted in sociological thought, particularly the ideas of Karl Marx, Conflict Theory suggests that crime is a product of social and economic inequality. It argues that laws and justice systems are tools used by powerful groups to … Read more

The Thermal Law in Criminology: How Temperature Influences Crime Patterns

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Infographic showing "The Thermal Law"—on the left, a violent confrontation under a hot sun represents the rise of violent crimes in hot weather; on the right, a masked thief carrying a money bag in a snowy cityscape symbolizes the increase of financial crimes in colder seasons.

1. Introduction: Understanding The Thermal Law in Criminology The study of crime patterns and their causes has long intrigued sociologists, psychologists, and criminologists alike. One fascinating area of research that has gained significant attention is The Thermal Law—a concept that connects climatic temperature variations with fluctuations in criminal behavior. Simply put, The Thermal Law observes … Read more