What is
Criminology:
The word criminology is derived from the
Latin word “Crimen” which means “to charge” or “Accusation” and a Greek word “Logia”
which means “study of”. So in very simple terms the criminology means the study
of crime.
Criminology is a branch of Sociology; it is a scientific study of crimes, criminality, criminal behavior, place and scope of crime, reasons and causes of crime and the way to prevent the occurrence of crime in society. The institutions like Police, NAB, FIA – Law Enforcement Agencies – have criminologists to deal with the dame.
Scope of
Criminology:
i)
Frequency of Crime: how often the crime is happening in society.
ii)
Location of Crime: which are the vulnerable locations for crime?
iii)
Causes of Crime: what are the causes of crime being committed in society?
iv)
Types of Crime: what types of crimes are being committed?
v)
Social & Individual Consequence: what are the consequences of
crimes on individuals and society at large?
vi)
Individual reaction to crime: how an individual reacts to the crime?
vii)
Social reaction to crime: how society responds to the crime?
viii) State’s reaction to crime: how state/government reacts to the crime?
Significance
of Criminology:
Criminology is a multi-dimensional study. In encompasses
sociology, anthropology, psychology and other scientific domains to deal with
crime within its scope. In this modern age of technology and advancement, the
rate of crime has exponentially increased in every society of the world. The think
tanks have put head together to crave a way out to curb crimes happening around
the world. In this grave situation, criminology gives the best way forward. Since
its focuses on every detail of the crime, from its frequency to government
reaction, and provide the holistic understanding of why the crimes are being
committed. Once this question is answered, half the problem is solved. The causes
of crimes, then, can be reduced in pursuance of putting the society in order. Therefore, criminology is of utmost
importance.
Concept of
Criminality:
The term criminality refers to the traits and characteristics of criminals. This is still the most debating topic among sociologist and criminologists. However, numerous sociologists have established few traits which are common in criminals, e.g. anti-social behavior.
Criminal
Behavior:
It is very difficult to come up with a single
statement definition of criminal behavior, however, it is easier to say that
any of the following reflects the criminal behavior:-
i)
Act that is prohibited by law and there is defined punishment available
under law.
ii)
Any violation of moral / religious code punishable by Allah Almighty.
iii)
Any violation of social norms punishable by society.
iv) Any act causing psychological stress or mental damage to others.
Causes of
Criminal Behavior:
i)
Financial Problems or Poverty.
ii)
Low social status or marginalization.
iii)
Genetics or psychological disorder.
(These and other causes will be discussed in later articles in detail with theoretical framework for better understanding and clarity)
Criminal Law:
Criminal law deals with the behavior that is
or can be construed as an offence against the public, society or the state,
even if the immediate victim is an individual e.g. Murder, theft, assaults etc.
As the society faces criminals and deviant people, there comes the dire need to
develop criminal law and procedure to control the social order and punish the
criminals. Such law making is not a new concept; way back in history the “The Code of Hammurabi” is evident in
1754 (BCE) with 282 sections. Most of the sections are still found in the
modern day legal framework.
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