by Cathy A Montville

Created on: September 23, 2011   Last Updated: September 26, 2011

Criminology encompasses the far-reaching study of crime, and the people who commit the crime. The history of criminology is as intriguing as the concept itself. Naturally, over time, ongoing expert studies and theories pertaining to criminal behavior expanded immensely. Interestingly, it appears the science, which is criminology, remains constant, though. Consider the following thoughts in this brief history of criminology:

Ceasare Lombroso “Father of Criminology”

Criminology, even a brief history, cannot be explored without mentioning the Italian criminology pioneer Ceasare Lombroso. Lombroso (1835-1909) is regarded by many as the “father of criminology.” As the founder of the School of Positivist Criminology he scorned the philosophy that committing a crime was simply human nature.

He also dismissed traditional thought that every person possessed the capability to make a rational decision, whether or not to commit a crime. This is aligned with what is called the Classical School of criminological theory.

“Born Criminal”

Instead of embracing Classical School standard; Lombroso, who was a neuro-psychiatrist, insisted on a new line of thought: a person may be born a criminal. He believed criminal traits could be biological—an inherited characteristic. As well, Lombroso encouraged the idea to blossom that a “born criminal” could be recognized by physical defects. Fortunately, this latter part of Lombroso’s line of reasoning is no longer applicable.  

Is Lombroso’s Work Endorsed?

Despite Lombroso’s pioneering exploration and advances in the criminal-based areas of research, his work is not supported by everyone. This is evident in an article by Nicole Rafter, “Rethinking criminological tradition: Cesare Lombroso and the origins of Criminology.”

The article probes the notion that Lombroso’s theories deserve further investigation. Whether or not anyone agrees his work remains persuasive in the 21st Century; Lombroso appears to have played a significant role in the overall development and history of criminology.

Criminology in the Middle Ages

A crime committed in the Middle Ages likely would have been tied to manipulation by the devil. Ceasare Lombroso’s “physical defect” theory in identifying a criminal may sound harsh: being a criminal because the devil held some type of influence over a person is ruthless. The inspiration behind the Middle Ages school

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