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

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

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…

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

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

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…

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

The Father of Criminology: Cesare Lombroso and His Enduring Legacy

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…