CRIMINOLOGY – NOTES
🔹 Definition
Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, its causes, effects, prevention, and the punishment of offenders.
🔹 Major Theories of Criminology
| Theory | Key Idea |
|---|---|
| Classical Theory | Crime is a rational free-will choice; people weigh pros/cons. |
| Positivist Theory | Crime is due to biological, psychological, or social factors. |
| Social Disorganization | Crime arises from community breakdown, poverty, weak institutions. |
🔹 Types of Crime
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| White-Collar | Non-violent, financially motivated (e.g. fraud, embezzlement) |
| Cyber Crime | Crime involving computers/internet (e.g. hacking, phishing) |
| Juvenile Crime | Crimes committed by individuals below 18 years |
| Organized Crime | Systematic crime by criminal organizations (e.g. drug trafficking) |
| Violent Crime | Involving force or threat (e.g. murder, rape, assault) |
🔹 Key Concepts in Criminology
-
Deterrence: Preventing crime through fear of punishment.
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Rehabilitation: Reforming the offender through correctional programs.
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Retribution: Punishment as a form of moral vengeance.
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Restorative Justice: Focus on victim-offender reconciliation.
✅ MCQs on Criminology
-
Criminology is best defined as:
A. Study of court procedures
B. Study of policing
C. Study of crime, its causes and prevention
D. Study of criminal law
👉 Ans: C -
Which theory assumes individuals commit crime by rational choice?
A. Social Disorganization Theory
B. Classical Theory
C. Positivist Theory
D. Conflict Theory
👉 Ans: B -
The Positivist School of Criminology emphasizes:
A. Free will
B. Rationality
C. Biological and social causes
D. Economic motives
👉 Ans: C -
Cybercrime is an example of:
A. Organized crime
B. White-collar crime
C. Technology-based crime
D. Street crime
👉 Ans: C -
Who is more associated with Classical Theory?
A. Karl Marx
B. Emile Durkheim
C. Cesare Beccaria
D. Robert Merton
👉 Ans: C -
The concept of 'Social Disorganization' is mostly linked to:
A. Urban decay
B. Government policy
C. Corruption
D. Individual behavior
👉 Ans: A -
Which of the following is a non-violent crime?
A. Burglary
B. Rape
C. Murder
D. Insider trading
👉 Ans: D -
Juvenile crime refers to crimes committed by individuals:
A. Below 18 years of age
B. Above 18 but below 21
C. Above 21
D. Elderly criminals
👉 Ans: A -
Organized crime is characterized by:
A. One-time events
B. Spontaneous actions
C. Ongoing criminal enterprises
D. Accidental acts
👉 Ans: C -
Which concept emphasizes reforming the offender?
A. Deterrence
B. Retribution
C. Rehabilitation
D. Revenge
👉 Ans: C