Introduction to Criminology and Psychology of Crimes

CRIM 1: INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMES

Edwin H. Sutherland's Definition:
- "Criminology is the entire body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the process of making laws, breaking laws, and society's reaction towards breaking laws."
- It encompasses all aspects:
- Crimes
- Criminals
- Society's efforts to prevent and repress crime
General Definitions:
- Etiology: the study of the origin, extent, and nature of crime in society.
- Involves scientific inquiry into the causes of crime in relation to humans and societal norms governing behavior.
Criminology is an interdisciplinary science:
- It gathers and analyzes data concerning:
- Criminal behavior
- Delinquent behavior
- General anti-social behavior
Also, it deals with:
- Prevention of crime
- Solutions to crimes (R.A. 11131)

Defined as the study of crime focusing on the broader group of people and society as a whole.
Primarily based on:
- Examination of demographic and group variables related to crime
- Factors include:
- Socio-economic status
- Interpersonal relationships
- Age
- Race
- Gender
- Cultural groups
Explores environmental factors conducive to criminal actions:
- Time
- Place
- Circumstances surrounding the crime

R.A. 6506:
- "An Act Creating the Board of Examiners for Criminologists in the Philippines and for other purposes".
R.A. 11131:
- "An Act Regulating the Practice of Criminology Profession in the Philippines…"
- Commonly referred to as The Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018.
R.A. 10912:
- "An Act Mandating and Strengthening the Continuing Professional Development Program for All Regulated Professions…"
- Known as Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016.

Professional Criminologist Association of the Philippines (PCAP):
- Official organization of Criminologists recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission.
Philippine Educators Association for Criminology Education (PEACE):
- Established January 13-25, 1983.
- Aims to professionalize criminology education within the scope of national development.

Defined as a person who:
- Graduated with a Degree in Criminology.
- Passed the criminologist licensing examination and is registered by the Board of Examiners of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) (R.A. 6506).
A registered criminologist holds:
- A valid certificate of registration.
- An updated professional identification card issued by the Board and the Commission in accordance with R.A. 11131.

Origin of the term:
- From the Latin word "crimen" meaning crime, and the Greek word "Logos" meaning study.
Historical Context:
- 1885: Rafael Garofalo, an Italian Law Professor, coined the term "criminologia."
- 1889: Paul Topinard, a French Anthropologist, used the term "criminologie" for the first time.

Sociology:
- Often regarded as the mother discipline of Criminology.
- Focuses on:
- Study of human society
- Its origins, structures, functions, and directions.

Etiology of Crimes/Criminal Etiology:
- Focuses on the scientific analysis of the causes of crimes and criminal behavior.
Sociology of Law:
- Investigates the nature of criminal law and its administration.
- Analyzes conditions under which criminal laws have developed as mechanisms of formal and social control.
Penology:
- Study of the control of crimes and rehabilitation of offenders.
- Addresses punishment of crime and management of prisons.
- Concerned with crime control through the deterrence of punishment.

Some authors suggest the existence of another branch called Criminalistics, which deals with the scientific aspects of crime detection and investigation.