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criminology schools (Demonological, Classical/Neo-Classical, Cartographic, Positivist, Psychological)

 criminology schools (Demonological, Classical/Neo-Classical, Cartographic, Positivist, Psychological) 

Schools of Criminology – Detailed Analysis

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. Over time, different schools of thought tried to explain why crimes happen.
These schools gave different theories → supernatural, rational choice, environment, biology, psychology, and society.

1. Demonological School

  • Oldest explanation of crime.
  • Crime = result of evil spirits, demons, or sin.
  • Criminals were seen as “possessed” by devils.
  • Punishment = very harsh (burning, hanging, torture).

Example:
Witch-hunting in Europe; in India, still some rural areas practice “witch branding.”

Case Law:
Chandra Kant v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2002) – Court condemned witch-hunting, showing leftover demonological beliefs.

2. Classical School (Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham)

  • Crime = free will + rational choice.
  • Criminals weigh pleasure vs. pain before committing crime.
  • If punishment is certain, swift, and proportionate, crime can be prevented.

Neo-Classical School:

  • Modified view: accepts free will but considers age, mental illness, and circumstances in punishment.
  • Example: Juveniles and mentally unsound persons get special treatment.

Example:
Theft is avoided if punishment is quick and strict.

Case Law:
Rajendra Prasad v. State of UP (1979) – Court stressed punishment must be fair and proportionate, reflecting classical ideas.

3. Cartographic / Geographical School

  • Crime depends on geographical and social environment.
  • Factors: climate, poverty, urbanization, illiteracy, unemployment.
  • Criminals are more in places where social conditions are weak.

Example:
Urban slums often report higher theft and gang activity due to poverty and unemployment.

Case Law:
State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Yakub (1980) – Smuggling case, showing how social environment (coastal smuggling zones) influenced crime.

4. Positivist School (Cesare Lombroso, Ferri, Garofalo)

  • Crime = result of biology, psychology, and social factors.
  • Lombroso: some are “born criminals” (physical features like long arms, big jaws).
  • Ferri: crime caused by social, economic, and political factors.
  • Garofalo: crime linked to lack of moral sense.

Example:
Habitual offenders studied for biological/psychological defects.

Case Law:
State of Maharashtra v. Sukhdev Singh (1992) – Court rejected the idea that criminals are born; emphasized social environment → a modern view beyond Lombroso.

5. Psychological School

  • Crime = result of mental illness, weak personality, emotional conflict, or stress.
  • Focus on psychological testing and counseling.
  • Courts give insanity defense in genuine mental illness.

Example:
A mentally ill person commits homicide due to hallucinations.

Case Law:
R v. McNaghten (1843, UK) – Laid down McNaghten Rule (unsoundness of mind).
In India → Section 84 IPC: act of a person of unsound mind is not punishable.

Conclusion

  • Demonological → Crime = evil spirit.
  • Classical/Neo-Classical → Crime = free will; punishment must be fair.
  • Cartographic → Crime = influenced by environment.
  • Positivist → Crime = biological/social factors.
  • Psychological → Crime = mental illness or personality defect.


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