Sociology of Crimes & Ethics
Criminological Theories, Types of Criminals & Professional Ethics
Criminological Theories
Classical School (Beccaria & Bentham)
- Crime is a result of free will and rational choice
- Punishment should fit the crime (proportionality)
- Punishment should be swift, certain, and severe enough to deter
- Focus on the crime, not the criminal
Key proponents: Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham
Positivist School (Lombroso)
- Crime is caused by factors beyond individual control
- Scientific study of criminals (empirical approach)
- Focus on the criminal, not just the crime
- Treatment and rehabilitation over punishment
Key proponents: Cesare Lombroso (Father of Modern Criminology), Enrico Ferri, Raffaele Garofalo
Biological/Physiological Theories
- Lombroso's Born Criminal: Physical stigmata indicate criminality
- Body Type Theory (Sheldon): Mesomorphs more prone to crime
- XYY Chromosome Theory: Extra Y chromosome linked to aggression
- Heredity Studies: Criminal tendencies may be inherited
Psychological Theories
- Psychoanalytic (Freud): Unresolved conflicts in unconscious
- Personality Theory: Antisocial personality traits
- Mental Disorders: Psychopathy, sociopathy
- Intelligence Theory: Low IQ linked to crime (controversial)
Sociological Theories
- Anomie/Strain (Merton): Gap between goals and means
- Differential Association (Sutherland): Crime is learned behavior
- Social Control (Hirschi): Weak bonds lead to crime
- Labeling Theory: Being labeled criminal reinforces behavior
- Social Disorganization: Breakdown of community controls
Classification of Criminals
Lombroso's Classification
Born Criminal (Atavistic)
Possesses physical characteristics (stigmata) that indicate criminal tendencies
Insane Criminal
Commits crime due to mental illness or abnormality
Criminaloid
Commits crime due to environmental circumstances; weak in nature
Criminal by Passion
Commits crime under intense emotion (anger, jealousy, love)
Garofalo's Classification
Murderer (Extreme Criminal)
Lacks both pity and probity
Violent Criminal
Lacks pity, commits violent crimes
Thief (Deficient in Probity)
Lacks honesty/integrity
Lascivious Criminal
Commits sex-related crimes
By Etiology (Cause)
Acute Criminal
Commits crime due to sudden impulse or extreme provocation
Chronic Criminal
Habitual offender with repeated criminal behavior
Situational Criminal
Commits crime due to opportunity or circumstances
Professional Ethics
Code of Ethics for Criminologists
Criminologists must uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Key principles include:
- Integrity and honesty in all dealings
- Competence and continuous professional development
- Confidentiality of information
- Respect for human dignity and rights
- Accountability for professional actions
R.A. 6506 (Criminology Profession Act)
- Regulates the practice of criminology in the Philippines
- Establishes the Board of Criminology under PRC
- Sets qualifications for criminology examinees
- Defines scope of practice for criminologists
R.A. 11131 (Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018)
Updated law that modernizes the criminology profession:
- Changed title from "Criminologist" to "Registered Criminologist (RCrim)"
- Updated examination subjects
- Strengthened requirements for practice
- Updated CPD requirements
Human Rights in Law Enforcement
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Adopted by the UN in 1948, it establishes fundamental rights for all people. Key articles relevant to criminology:
- Article 3: Right to life, liberty, and security
- Article 5: Freedom from torture and cruel punishment
- Article 9: Freedom from arbitrary arrest
- Article 10: Right to fair trial
- Article 11: Presumption of innocence
Rights of the Accused
- Presumption of innocence
- Right to counsel
- Right to remain silent
- Right to be informed of charges
- Right to speedy trial
- Right against self-incrimination
Rights of Detainees
- Humane treatment
- Access to legal counsel
- Communication with family
- Medical attention when needed
- Freedom from torture
- Proper living conditions
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
Independent constitutional body that:
- Investigates human rights violations
- Provides legal assistance to victims
- Monitors government compliance with human rights treaties
- Recommends prosecution of violators
Victimology
Definition
The scientific study of victims, their characteristics, and their relationship to offenders.
Types of Victims (Mendelsohn)
Completely Innocent Victim
Bears no responsibility; e.g., children, sleeping persons
Victim with Minor Guilt
Slight contribution to victimization; e.g., jaywalker hit by car
Victim as Guilty as Offender
Equal responsibility; e.g., suicide, dueling
Victim More Guilty than Offender
Provokes or initiates; e.g., attacker killed in self-defense
Most Guilty Victim
Simulating or imaginary victim; false accusers
Key Terms & Concepts
Recidivism - Tendency to relapse into criminal behavior; repeat offending
Anomie - State of normlessness; breakdown of social standards (Durkheim/Merton)
Social Disorganization - Breakdown of community institutions and relationships
White-Collar Crime - Non-violent crimes committed by professionals for financial gain
Organized Crime - Criminal activities by structured groups (syndicates, gangs)
Penology - Study of punishment and prison management