Introduction
Criminology is an interdisciplinary science. It involves behavioural and biological sciences such as Anthropology, Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Psychiatry, and Political science. It also includes the police sciences such as Criminal law, public administration, victimology, ethics, and penology.
Criminology is the entire body of knowledge regarding the causes and prevention of Crime. It also deals with the punishment of a particular crime committed. Criminology focuses on the reasons and operational forces behind committing a specific crime.
The main focus of criminology is the study of human behaviour.
Definition
There is no universally accepted definition of criminology. However,
According to Law Lexicon
“Criminology is the study of crime, its nature, causes, detection, and prevention.”
According to Dr. Kenny
“Criminology is the branch of criminal science that deals with the causes of crime, analysis, and prevention of crime.”
Purpose of Criminology
The primary purpose of criminology is to know different aspects and causes of Crime. These will help in the treatment and rehabilitation of criminals in society.
Nature of Criminology
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field of study involving scholars and practitioners. It represents a wide range of behavioural and social sciences and natural sciences. It deals with the research of sociologists, psychologists, and writings in law.
Scope of Criminology
The word scope means the extent to which a particular field is applicable or has influence.
1. Study of the Origin and Development of Criminal Laws
Criminology studies how criminal laws evolved under different circumstances. It also presents specific types of punishments to prevent Crime.
2. Analyzes the Causation of Crimes
In criminology, we study the reasons for criminal behaviour and when and how a man turns into a criminal. We look at the subject of why some people commit crimes while others do not commit crimes.
3. Detection and Investigation of Crime
Criminology is a modern science that helps us detect and investigate the reasons behind Crime.
4. Study of different Factors behind the Crime
Criminology also studies factors that enhance a crime, such as Criminal Sociology, Criminal Psychiatry, Victimology, Criminal Ecology, Criminal Demography, and Criminal Physical Anthropology.
5. Reasons for the Development of Criminals
After discovering the origin of Crime, criminologists study the factors for which people develop a criminal attitude.
6. Ways to Arrest the Criminals
Criminology tells us various ways to arrest and treat habitual criminals as well.
7. Criminal Behavior and the Etiology
Understanding the behaviour and psychology of criminals is of great importance. So, criminology helps a lot in this noble job.
8. Methods adopted by the Criminals
Criminology studies various methods and measures offenders assume for violating criminal laws.
9. Reaction of Society regarding Crime
After the commission of a crime, criminology as science looks upon the reaction of society towards the offender or the Crime committed. The purpose is to get the views of society about Crime.
10. Prevention of Crime
Criminology presents various methods to prevent Crime. It plans different ways to deter criminals. In this way, they are threatened to commit crimes because they know they will be punished if accused of criminal activity.
11. Develop the Concept of Rehabilitation
Criminology encourages us to establish rehabilitation centres in the country to treat criminals finely and healthily. In this way, they may become responsible men in society.
Conclusion
Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behaviour on the individual and social levels.
Criminology is rewarding and fascinating due to its broad scope and importance.
