Introduction Criminology and its Scope Criminology

According to Sutherland the science of criminology, “includes within its scope the processes of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting towards the breaking of laws.” In the opinion of Sutherland criminology has three distinct aspects of departments. Though distinct, these are nonetheless not independent, but inter-linked. A thorough study of these aspects exhausts the scope of criminology; to study all of them is the same as studying the whole science of criminology. In accordance with Sutherland’s description of the scope of criminology, we can divide it into departments: (a) The sociology of law-In this we study the nature of crime from legalistic point of view. Also we investigate into the effects of present laws upon them and study the possible reforms in the laws in order to prevent and control the occurrence of crime. The major concern of the sociology of law is to critically examine the impact of various legal systems upon crime. This study can go a long way to evolve suitable changes in the laws to curb crime. (b) Criminal Etiology - In this department a systematic investigation into the various causes of crime is made. Here we study the social and personal factors responsible for the occurrence of crime and growth of criminals. (c) Penology - Besides knowledge and determination of the causes and factors which generate or encourage crime, it is equally, if not more essential to know the ways and means of controlling and preventing the crime. This aspect is studied systematically and in a scientific manner to achieve control over crime. The facts and theories in this regard from the scope of Penology, an important department of criminology.  

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