introduction and criminal etiology
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
LECTURES NOTES IN
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMES
2ND Semester, S. Y. 2020-2021
Introduction and Criminal Etiology
Through the years since the creation of the universe, the Creator and the creatures wanted that the
world be of a place full of love, hope and peace. As the technology and the people developed, the
environment, the community changed. People in the community developed their own beliefs, tradition,
moralities and practices in order to maintain their relationship to one another. From the traditional way up to
the modern way of living, behavior and practices of the people followed. Their behavior was influenced by
bad attributes, wherein people tried to reach on the high standard of living that is beyond on what they can.
On the other hand, some people in the community are responsible in maintaining peace and order to
support the mission and vision of the law enforcement units. Nevertheless, crime still exists anytime,
anywhere.
Criminology – an academic discipline that uses the scientific method to study the nature, extent, cause, and
control of criminal behavior. From the Greek Crimen meaning crime and Latin word logy meaning study.
- The body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the
processes of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting toward the breaking of laws. (Edwin
H. Sutherland and Donald Cressey)
Social phenomenon
-refers to the appearance or observed feature of something experienced as distinguished from reality,
or the thing itself, any extremely unusual or extraordinary thing or occurrence, or any fact, circumstances or
experiences that is apparent to the sense and that can be scientifically described or appraised.
E.H SUTHERLAND & D.R CRESEY- “criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social
phenomenon. “This definition exhibits sociological bias and regards crimes to be a reaction to certain set of
social factors and causes.
M.A ELLIOT & F.E MERILL- “criminology may be defined as the scientific study of crimes and its
treatment.” This definition emphasizes the scientific investigation into the nature and etiology of crime.
,D.R TAFT- “criminology is the study which includes all the subject matter necessary to the understanding
and prevention of crimes together with the punishment and treatment of delinquents and criminals.” This is a
comprehensive definition and describes theoretical as well as practical aspects of the study.
WEBSTER DICTIONARY- “the study of crime as a social phenomenon or of criminals in their mental
traits, habit and discipline.” This definition has the merit of emphasizing equality the sociological as well as
psychological aspects of the crime and the criminal.
Criminology is the scientific study of crimes or criminal behavior and their causes.
Criminologists attempt to develop theories that explain why crimes occur and test those theories
by observing behavior of people.
Criminological theories help shape society`s response t crime both in terms of preventing criminal
behavior and responding to it after it occurs.
Objective: The development of a body of general and verified principle and of other types of
knowledge regarding this process of law, crime and treatment.
Importance of studying Criminology
Studying crime is very important, not only to criminologists. Criminologists and non- criminologists
study crime because of various reasons. If we generalize these, they fall on any of these reasons:
1. Criminology can be a source of philosophy of life. The knowledge derived from studying crime is a
good foundation for an individual`s philosophy and lifestyle.
2. Criminology is a profession not only for social service but for legal practice as well.
3. People study criminology because criminals are legitimate object of internet. They should be
understood in order to know how to control them.
4. Authorities should know a bit of criminology because crime is a very expensive problem of the
society. The value of property lost, medical expenses, insurances, moving costs, and intangible costs
of pain and suffering is too high as a result of victimization.
The goals of criminology
Studying criminology is aimed towards the following:
1. The primary aim is to prevent crime problem.
2. To understand crimes and criminals (requisite to knowing the actions to be done to prevent them).
3. To prepare for a career in law enforcement and scientific crime detection.
4. To develop an understanding of the constitutional guarantee and due process of law in the administration
of justice.
5. To foster a higher concept of citizenry and leadership together with an understanding of one moral and
legal responsibilities to his fellowmen, his community and the nation.
In reality, there are many and varied purpose of studying criminology. However, all these purpose fall on
either of the 2 primary aims of studying criminology.
,a. To understand crimes and criminals.
b. To prevent the occurrence of crime.
Areas of interest/Principal Division of Criminology
1) Development of criminal law and its use to define crime (Sociology of Law), including the history of
legal thought in order to understand how criminal acts evolved
2) The cause of law violation (Criminal etiology)
3) The methods used to control criminal behavior (Penology/Corrections)
4) Criminalistics/Forensic Science (Other reference)
Self-Assessment Activities
In a long bond paper, using rubrics I and II, draw a bubble chart and
connect all components of criminology that will help eradicate or
minimize the occurrence of crime in the community.
2. Explain why criminology is considered a body of knowledge
regarding crime as a social phenomenon.
Criminal Etiology
In the legal point of view crimes refers to any violation or infraction of the existing policies,
laws, rules and regulations of the society.
Criminality is a serious problem. This may be explained by the following characteristics of
crime;
1. It does not respect age, sex, culture, customs and traditions, race, and religion of the society.
2. Crime is worldwide phenomenon.
3. It occurs in all the existing economic strata.
4. Its causes are multifarious.
5. It is difficult to eradicate.
People cannot avoid offending others. Some offensive actions are considered abnormal
behavior while some are classifying as crime. What therefore is the requirement before an act
is considered crime?
Requirements before an act is considered crime:
, 1. External consequence or harm
2. The harm is forbidden and prescribed by law
3. There must be intentional or reckless action
4. Mens rea must be present
5. Fusion of mens rea and conduct
6. Causal relationship between legally forbidden harm and the voluntary misconduct
7. Prescribed punishment.
The following are the “differentiae” of crime:
1. An act maybe called crime if there is a certain external consequence or harm. Physical injury is the most
obvious external consequences of an offensive action.
2. The harm must be legally forbidden and prescribed by law?
3. There must be a conduct: that is, there must be an intentional or reckless action that results to harmful
consequence.
4. “Mens Rea” must be present.
5. There must be a fusion or concurrence of mens rea and conduct.
6. There must be a causal relationship between the legally forbidden harm and the voluntary misconduct.
7.There must be legally prescribed punishment of the misconduct.
Remember:
Before saying that a crime has been committed, you must have a “personal knowledge” of its
actual commission or that you must have caught the offender “inflagrante delicto,”
An act can only be called crime if there is a law that defines it, prohibits its commission, and
provides punishment for its commission.
In a criminal act, there should be malicious intent-a harmful consequence (oppressive
outcome of an act) is an inherent result.
There should be a continuity of the criminal act before an offender is criminally charged.
Edwin H. Sutherland in his book “Principles of Criminology” claim that criminology at
present is clearly not a science, but it has hope of becoming a science.
George H. Wilker argued that criminology cannot become a science.
Cirilo M. Tradio humbly submits that criminology is a science
Understanding crime is a complicated matter just like other social road sciences. To requires
therefore a systematic and balanced knowledge in the examination of why crime exists. In this sense,
criminology is:
1. An applied Science
- anthropology, psychology, sociology and other natural sciences may be applied in the study of the
causes of crime while chemistry, medicine, physics, mathematics, etc. May be utilized in crime detection.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
LECTURES NOTES IN
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMES
2ND Semester, S. Y. 2020-2021
Introduction and Criminal Etiology
Through the years since the creation of the universe, the Creator and the creatures wanted that the
world be of a place full of love, hope and peace. As the technology and the people developed, the
environment, the community changed. People in the community developed their own beliefs, tradition,
moralities and practices in order to maintain their relationship to one another. From the traditional way up to
the modern way of living, behavior and practices of the people followed. Their behavior was influenced by
bad attributes, wherein people tried to reach on the high standard of living that is beyond on what they can.
On the other hand, some people in the community are responsible in maintaining peace and order to
support the mission and vision of the law enforcement units. Nevertheless, crime still exists anytime,
anywhere.
Criminology – an academic discipline that uses the scientific method to study the nature, extent, cause, and
control of criminal behavior. From the Greek Crimen meaning crime and Latin word logy meaning study.
- The body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the
processes of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting toward the breaking of laws. (Edwin
H. Sutherland and Donald Cressey)
Social phenomenon
-refers to the appearance or observed feature of something experienced as distinguished from reality,
or the thing itself, any extremely unusual or extraordinary thing or occurrence, or any fact, circumstances or
experiences that is apparent to the sense and that can be scientifically described or appraised.
E.H SUTHERLAND & D.R CRESEY- “criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social
phenomenon. “This definition exhibits sociological bias and regards crimes to be a reaction to certain set of
social factors and causes.
M.A ELLIOT & F.E MERILL- “criminology may be defined as the scientific study of crimes and its
treatment.” This definition emphasizes the scientific investigation into the nature and etiology of crime.
,D.R TAFT- “criminology is the study which includes all the subject matter necessary to the understanding
and prevention of crimes together with the punishment and treatment of delinquents and criminals.” This is a
comprehensive definition and describes theoretical as well as practical aspects of the study.
WEBSTER DICTIONARY- “the study of crime as a social phenomenon or of criminals in their mental
traits, habit and discipline.” This definition has the merit of emphasizing equality the sociological as well as
psychological aspects of the crime and the criminal.
Criminology is the scientific study of crimes or criminal behavior and their causes.
Criminologists attempt to develop theories that explain why crimes occur and test those theories
by observing behavior of people.
Criminological theories help shape society`s response t crime both in terms of preventing criminal
behavior and responding to it after it occurs.
Objective: The development of a body of general and verified principle and of other types of
knowledge regarding this process of law, crime and treatment.
Importance of studying Criminology
Studying crime is very important, not only to criminologists. Criminologists and non- criminologists
study crime because of various reasons. If we generalize these, they fall on any of these reasons:
1. Criminology can be a source of philosophy of life. The knowledge derived from studying crime is a
good foundation for an individual`s philosophy and lifestyle.
2. Criminology is a profession not only for social service but for legal practice as well.
3. People study criminology because criminals are legitimate object of internet. They should be
understood in order to know how to control them.
4. Authorities should know a bit of criminology because crime is a very expensive problem of the
society. The value of property lost, medical expenses, insurances, moving costs, and intangible costs
of pain and suffering is too high as a result of victimization.
The goals of criminology
Studying criminology is aimed towards the following:
1. The primary aim is to prevent crime problem.
2. To understand crimes and criminals (requisite to knowing the actions to be done to prevent them).
3. To prepare for a career in law enforcement and scientific crime detection.
4. To develop an understanding of the constitutional guarantee and due process of law in the administration
of justice.
5. To foster a higher concept of citizenry and leadership together with an understanding of one moral and
legal responsibilities to his fellowmen, his community and the nation.
In reality, there are many and varied purpose of studying criminology. However, all these purpose fall on
either of the 2 primary aims of studying criminology.
,a. To understand crimes and criminals.
b. To prevent the occurrence of crime.
Areas of interest/Principal Division of Criminology
1) Development of criminal law and its use to define crime (Sociology of Law), including the history of
legal thought in order to understand how criminal acts evolved
2) The cause of law violation (Criminal etiology)
3) The methods used to control criminal behavior (Penology/Corrections)
4) Criminalistics/Forensic Science (Other reference)
Self-Assessment Activities
In a long bond paper, using rubrics I and II, draw a bubble chart and
connect all components of criminology that will help eradicate or
minimize the occurrence of crime in the community.
2. Explain why criminology is considered a body of knowledge
regarding crime as a social phenomenon.
Criminal Etiology
In the legal point of view crimes refers to any violation or infraction of the existing policies,
laws, rules and regulations of the society.
Criminality is a serious problem. This may be explained by the following characteristics of
crime;
1. It does not respect age, sex, culture, customs and traditions, race, and religion of the society.
2. Crime is worldwide phenomenon.
3. It occurs in all the existing economic strata.
4. Its causes are multifarious.
5. It is difficult to eradicate.
People cannot avoid offending others. Some offensive actions are considered abnormal
behavior while some are classifying as crime. What therefore is the requirement before an act
is considered crime?
Requirements before an act is considered crime:
, 1. External consequence or harm
2. The harm is forbidden and prescribed by law
3. There must be intentional or reckless action
4. Mens rea must be present
5. Fusion of mens rea and conduct
6. Causal relationship between legally forbidden harm and the voluntary misconduct
7. Prescribed punishment.
The following are the “differentiae” of crime:
1. An act maybe called crime if there is a certain external consequence or harm. Physical injury is the most
obvious external consequences of an offensive action.
2. The harm must be legally forbidden and prescribed by law?
3. There must be a conduct: that is, there must be an intentional or reckless action that results to harmful
consequence.
4. “Mens Rea” must be present.
5. There must be a fusion or concurrence of mens rea and conduct.
6. There must be a causal relationship between the legally forbidden harm and the voluntary misconduct.
7.There must be legally prescribed punishment of the misconduct.
Remember:
Before saying that a crime has been committed, you must have a “personal knowledge” of its
actual commission or that you must have caught the offender “inflagrante delicto,”
An act can only be called crime if there is a law that defines it, prohibits its commission, and
provides punishment for its commission.
In a criminal act, there should be malicious intent-a harmful consequence (oppressive
outcome of an act) is an inherent result.
There should be a continuity of the criminal act before an offender is criminally charged.
Edwin H. Sutherland in his book “Principles of Criminology” claim that criminology at
present is clearly not a science, but it has hope of becoming a science.
George H. Wilker argued that criminology cannot become a science.
Cirilo M. Tradio humbly submits that criminology is a science
Understanding crime is a complicated matter just like other social road sciences. To requires
therefore a systematic and balanced knowledge in the examination of why crime exists. In this sense,
criminology is:
1. An applied Science
- anthropology, psychology, sociology and other natural sciences may be applied in the study of the
causes of crime while chemistry, medicine, physics, mathematics, etc. May be utilized in crime detection.
