Posted: March 18th, 2024

Comparison of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Comparison of Criminology and Criminal Justice
1. Introduction
Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, cause, and control of criminal behavior. Criminal justice is the study of the structure, functions, and processes of the agencies in the criminal justice system, including the police, the courts, and corrections. The importance of studying criminology and criminal justice is clear. Both fields focus on the social and environmental aspects of crime, including its causes and its effects on society. Additionally, students are trained to carefully analyze and research various types of evidence and data in order to better understand the role of causation in crime and in the construction of criminal policies. Both criminal justice and criminology have a foundation in the sociological and legal fields, and both fields often overlap when considering the law and the administration of justice. No real understanding of the criminal justice system is complete without an examination of the underlying theories of crime and criminality. Also, the duties and expectations placed on individuals working in the fields of criminal justice and criminology have changed as the knowledge and activities of these professionals has grown and expanded. In examination of the various capstone projects written by people who are about to go into the fields of criminal justice or criminology, it appears that a good deal of time and effort is being focused on the epistemological and metaphysical foundations of criminal justice and its related branch, jurisprudence.
1.1 Definition of Criminology and Criminal Justice
The comparison of criminology and criminal justice is explored in this article, beginning with an introduction that defines both fields and emphasizes the importance of studying them. The scope of study is then presented, outlining the specific focuses of criminology and criminal justice, as well as the overlapping areas of study between the two disciplines. The methodologies and approaches used in research within both fields are discussed, including the specific research methods used in criminology and criminal justice, as well as the theoretical frameworks employed. Finally, the article examines the various career opportunities available in both criminology and criminal justice, as well as the real-world applications of these fields. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive comparison of criminology and criminal justice, highlighting their similarities and differences, and showcasing their significance in both research and practical applications.
1.2 Importance of Studying Criminology and Criminal Justice
Considering the reasons why it is important to study criminal justice and criminology is quite essential for some people. Criminal justice is a very broad field and has a long history. People study criminal justice for many different reasons. Criminal justice as an academic discipline. It is the study of society’s response to criminal activity and substance to the violation of criminal law. Through this study, students are able to understand the various sociological, biological and also psychological aspects of human behavior which is quite important in criminal justice. Understand the society, writing and critical thinking as well. All around in the USA, there are many different universities which offer students an opportunity to earn a doctorate degree in criminal justice. Based on the environment where he or she is studying, the grant proposal can be either career based research proposal or academic research proposal. Career based research proposal is used when the proposal is going to be submitted to some agency for a funded research award which is quite important in study today. In compare to masters degree, doctorate degree will more concentrate on research methodologies. Through research study, a criminal justice doctoral student can have the opportunity to gain quite intensive and broad experience as a scholar. On the other hand, we can not give one certain reason or explanation about why people are interested in the field of criminal justice. Different people have different opinions. But study in criminal justice or criminology is not only about understanding the law enforcement operation or correction. It is more about asking some fundamental questions about why certain events happen, why people act in some certain ways and etc. all of these lead to the understanding which is quite important to the better of the society in the future. We are required to think critically in the field study as well. Writing and critical thinking are two key elements in criminal justice. Through the research and writing on various topics. Learning different ways of critical thinking. It is quite important to the overall improvement. These argue that critical thinking is seen as a strategic in criminal justice education and is a specific area of learning. Most importantly, critical thinking in the field of study adds wider credits and respect and leads to many more opportunities. Nowadays, not like it was in the past, introduction of criminal justice in the university level study has attracted many high school graduates who have realized that studying criminal justice is an exciting way to answer the call for a better and safer community. “Criminal justice is probably best described as a field of study and application which is focused not only on the better of the society in the future, but also on the response to criminal activity and the violation of criminal law”.
2. Scope of Study
The scope of both criminal justice and criminology is wide and covers a multitude of themes, each seeking to answer key questions and provide an insight into the functioning of the criminal justice system. It also helps to inform policymakers and those who work within the criminal justice system to better understand why and how crime is committed. In specific terms, it seeks to understand the nature and extent of criminal activity, the cause of crime, the reaction of the criminal justice system to crime, and how crime can be prevented. This is often summarized by the objectives of criminology, which seeks to understand the root causes of crime and why individuals choose to commit crime, with a view to preventing it from happening, rather than criminal justice, which is more focused on how to respond to criminal activity once it has occurred. It’s also worth mentioning that there are what is known as specialists’ areas within both criminology and criminal justice, such as penology, policing, national and international security. These are specific areas of study which concentrate on looking into very specific types of criminal activity or very small sub-sectors of the criminal justice system, and this is often reflected in the available module choices for students who undertake study in those fields. This is true for both criminology and criminal justice and acts to highlight one of their key similarities; both fields of study are in a state of constant expansion and development, as society is evolving and changing, so is our understanding of the reasons behind criminal activity and the way in which allegations of crime should be managed, and the two disciplines are vital in that adaptive process.
2.1 Focus of Criminology
Traditionally, criminology has taken a macrolevel approach to the study of the causes and consequences of crime and deviant behavior in society. It has sought the root of criminal behavior and the focus has been on individuals and their actions. For many years, this approach has yielded a great deal of practical knowledge and the criminological focus has directed much of what we call policing and criminal justice. For example, the study of criminal psychology and the establishment of psychological profiles for certain types of offenders have been extremely useful for law enforcement agencies to lead investigations and figure out who might be a starting point for criminal activity. In recent years, however, the focus of criminology has started to shift and consideration is given from a more critical standpoint to the political and social nature of criminal behavior. In doing so, the causes of criminal activity are now much wider. For instance, criminology is now studying harm rather than just criminal behavior, which has led to the development of concepts surrounding social harms, such as green criminology which examines criminal actions that harm the environment and criminological implications of global consumerism. By recognizing this shift in the focus of criminology, students will be provided with a more comprehensive and detailed insight into the accompanying topics of study and also be best placed to engage with such topics in a more reflexive manner.
2.2 Focus of Criminal Justice
Specifically, criminal justice focuses on the application of criminal law. The primary aim of criminal justice is in prevention and punishment of crime. Criminal justice is also used to rehabilitate those who commit crimes. Hence, the major concern of the study of criminal justice is explaining the processes in the criminal justice system, such as how can defendants be protected from executive and police powers, what is the nature of constitutional safeguards, what are the goals of criminal prosecutions, and what methods are most effective. The criminal justice system can be divided into three main components: the police and law enforcement; criminal courts; and the correctional services. The key areas of study in criminal justice are in police and policing, criminal investigation procedures and techniques, and the causes of wrongful convictions. It is also said that the study of criminal justice creates a solid foundation for a career in the criminal justice system. This matches with the career opportunities that were listed in relation to criminal justice in the careers section of the essay. For example, if one is interested in criminal justice, a career as a lawyer, paralegal, forensic psychologist or clinical psychologist may be suitable. On the other hand, criminology graduates may like to choose the job from the following options: psychologist, social researcher or further education teacher. Also, the positions of working as a community development worker, a local government officer or a youth worker are available to both criminal justice and criminology graduates. The positions that may be more suitable for criminology graduates tend to be less related to jobs within the criminal justice system. This is because although criminology and criminal justice are similar in a sense that they are used to study and support the criminal justice system, their main focus and areas of study are different and thus different outcomes from the studies would be expected. This relates to the part of the essay where it discusses career opportunities in criminology and criminal justice – it is mentioned that the real-world applications of the two disciplines also make a large impact on the career opportunities available to someone who has studied them.
2.3 Overlapping Areas of Study
There are several areas of study that encompass both criminology and criminal justice. As outlined in the previous sections, the two fields are quite different and therefore it is possible to specialize solely in criminology or criminal justice. That said, many people find it beneficial to study both areas to some extent and this is especially the case for people who work professionally in the police force, disciplinary institutions or rehabilitation premise. One of the key reasons for this is that criminal behaviour is multi-dimensional; there are many different factors that may influence why someone has committed a crime and also that there are many different ways to deal with crime. Also, there are many problems that are associated with criminal justice today are varied and complex, and founded on social issues. Therefore, extra knowledge from the other field can sometimes provide a more well-rounded view of the issue and possible solutions. Some classic examples of areas of study which encompass both criminology and criminal justice are: criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system, restorative justice, organizational and white-collar crime, research methods, mental health and crime, drugs, alcohol and crime, criminal justice management. Besides, the field of ‘criminological psychology’ is grounded on the possible overlap of psychology and criminology and therefore may not strictly be classified as solely under the domain of criminology or criminal justice. It is associated with the study of criminal behavior in the aim of better understanding and even preventing such behavior. This is a specific example to illustrate the interconnectedness of the two fields and indicates that the exact nature of these inter-relationships can often be related to the way in which certain topics are approached and taught within academic programs.
3. Methodologies and Approaches
The fundamental shift from a coroner’s system toward an emphasis upon the development of a professional ethos in the nineteenth century has been noted by a number of authors. For example, Parry (1985 cited in Giddens 1991 p. 242) describes how an early change in the practices of the criminal justice system was a focus upon the accomplishments, education, and skills of professional investigators, rather than mere state dispensers of justice. On the other hand, while criminology has been heavily reliant on sociology as a discipline of study, in recent years an additional range of methods have been employed in the construction of criminological knowledge and the development of appropriate ways in which crime and the approaches to crime could be understood. Both criminal justice and criminology have readily embraced the study of socio-legal issues and there is, therefore, a growing convergence of thought and study, epitomized by manifest in inter-disciplinary studies and comparative studies. However, it appears from a review of the literature of disciplines defined under the umbrella term of sociology that rather than these studies adopting multi-disciplinary methods and theories which could be borne out of further connections between criminal justice, criminology, and tactics of inquiry like socio-legal studies, sub-disciplines like economic sociology and developmental sociology are normally employed. French and Rojek (2001) propose that the roots of criminology as a ‘leisure study’, not only connected to sociology, may provide further opportunities for more qualitative types of study due to the focus of developing appropriate means for understanding activities and linked technologies of control and shaping of emotions and attitudes. These such theoretical backgrounds, their method and manner of studies, and the type of knowledge they produce are termed in the literature as connexional knowledge, which is theory-based, or transitu knowledge, which relies upon a synthesis of method and theory. Transitu knowledge has, in the main, taken priority in the study of criminology and Ramdin (1999 p. 53) notes that a systematic approach to knowledge of factors surrounding and shaping criminality today is a unique contribution of criminology as opposed to the practical, experiential, knowledge of established police staff and workers.
3.1 Research Methods in Criminology
Research methods in criminology emerged in the late 19th century. Sociologists and criminologists began to identify trends and patterns in criminal behaviour. The correlation between criminal behaviour and social factors led to the series of research methods used in modern criminology today. There are many different methods that are used for male and female criminal behaviour but many of the ones that predominately have been used have moral and paternal overtones including observation and physiognomy. Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist, was searching for a biological exception to explain criminal behaviour and this resulted in one of the oldest methods of research in this discipline. The method of measuring the heads of criminals based upon the assumption that skulls and facial features were indicative of criminal types, now known as physiognomy, has long been rejected. However, a recent study from Wintle and his colleagues found that there was no male-only crimewave virtually putting to bed the hypothesis that male only methods can be relevant in identifying explanations of female criminal behaviour and ultimately prevention. Lombroso’s ‘Positive School’ and his theory of the ‘born criminal’ were adopted to assess and explain criminal behaviour, also known as the scientific approach. The scientific approach is concerned with explaining criminal behaviour in a precise and long-lasting prediction and prevention through the approval of systematic observe and investigation in criminal justice and criminology. This approach sees the researcher as independent from what is researched; their observations and measurements can be verified by others and this accumulative experience can be passed on. The key principles of scientific methodology involve the testing of the hypothesis, the comparison of different theoretical explanations and the use of quantitative methods to generalize to the entire individual and social phenomena. This scientific approach is still used today. The ‘feminist response hypothesis’ provides a critical evaluation of the scientific approach stating ‘theories of and approaches to understanding criminal behaviour which distance one who examines from the people, events and structures which are examined.’ This alternative perspective looking for a method to explain female criminal behaviour suggests that observation and evaluation of individuals can only lead to assumptions and not definitive answers. Feminist criminology has been established and driven at large by these objections and it adopts a theoretical and critical approach to the research and policy-making which is in the discipline.
3.2 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
In contrast, the main research mode in criminal justice is empirical research, meaning the same as criminology, the application of qualitative and quantitative research in order to answer tangibly and fundamentally about theoretical questions in the discipline as opposed to proving law. However, empirical research in criminal justice tends to be more complex, yet also more structured as compared to the type of research that exists in criminology. In criminal justice, the empirical research can take the form of experimental-based, theory testing research and policy analysis whereas in criminology, the research method is more towards theories and ideology-oriented, where conceptual-based research is the mainstream of initial stepping in any research. The type of research, whether in criminal justice and criminology, will depend on the jurisdiction in which the studies sit. Therefore, I personally believe that the wisdom and strategy of modern criminal justice and criminology will be combining to produce one single edifice of intellectual improvement given the existing global challenging world. It is not about criminal justice versus criminology. It is both contribute to a modern, well-developed society as they progress and become more sophisticated and yet, recognizable. This is due to the intellectual propagation and cross-fertilization between these two disciplines. These and with the growing recognition of the importance about the correlation between research and policy in these disciplinary areas, advanced a harmonious path of the disciplinary development is on the horizon.
3.3 Theoretical Frameworks in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Mr Jeremy Cotter – the 1st Year Tutor in Criminology and Criminal Justice and also a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Southampton – tells us that there is a 50/50 balance for criminology students, as half of their methods and theories modules are focused on learning and the other half on methods. Students learn everything from how to understand crime and what happens in the body and brain when crime is committed through to employing a broad and critical understanding of crime and criminal behaviour from different perspectives. On the other hand, ‘Historical Materialism’ is the study of how social and cultural framework influences the criminal justice system. Students are encouraged to question why the system operates in the way it does and instead should be considering what societal forces underpin criminal acts. Dr Jarret – the lecturer teaching ‘Justice, Politics, and Society’ and ‘Policing and the Police in England and Wales’ – believes that there is a connection to be made between the perspectives of those who download and view the legislation and those who aim to carry it out in practice. He says that a clear understanding of ‘Historical Materialism’ can result in new explanations as to how particular mechanisms of change, such as new areas of crime or the implementation of restorative justice, may come about in society.
Every single day, professionals in the criminal justice field rely on theoretical frameworks, whether they are aware of it or not. These can be anything from psychological motives to geographic points of interest. By identifying the method in which criminology is actively and widely used, it exemplifies the presence of all theoretic expansions in reality. On the other hand, theoretical criminal justice is a broad area of study, as the term ‘justice’ can be explored in many different ways. Some theories focus on punishment and others focus on rehabilitation.
These theories help students to better understand the society around them and give explanations as to why crime might occur. Students learning about the different methods and theories should incorporate all sorts of media, such as books, newspapers, social media, and online literature.
Theoretical criminology has a variety of theories, from gaining understanding of why people commit crimes to why specific crimes were committed in specific areas.
4. Career Opportunities and Applications
In the criminology field, students have the benefit of learning from experts with doctoral degrees and years of experience in research and in the field. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in internships and research opportunities for exposure to the many types of work available. According to the American Society of Criminology, criminologists often study the incidence, type, causes and consequences of crimes, as well as the responses of the criminal justice system to crime. Graduates in criminology may find work in such diverse fields as law, social work, policing and law enforcement, the court system, private security or corrections. Moreover, the field is hot. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted in 2012 that the demand for criminologists will increase by at least 18% by 2020, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. Likewise, in the criminal justice degree programme, students are given valuable knowledge that will prepare them for a rewarding career in the field. Students can expect to be trained through a combination of classroom learning and practical applications in simulated and real life settings. As mentioned by the universities which provide criminal justice programme such as Kaplan University, the aim is to produce graduates who can fulfil significant roles within the criminal justice environment. Careers students are inspired to pursue include law enforcement, forensic psychology, courts and corrections. Furthermore, criminal justice graduates can work in a wide variety of justice and law enforcement related fields including probation, parole and other community correctional agencies, police forces, the court systems and even academic and applied research. Each year, many students are offered jobs by federal and state employers while they are still studying. The BLS predicts that job opportunities for police and detective officers, which can be entered with a criminal justice degree, will grow 5% by 2022.
4.1 Careers in Criminology
As we’ve seen in the previous sections, criminology is the study of crime, criminal behavior, and the law. Just as there are many different kinds of crimes and criminals, there are also many different areas of criminology that are studied. As a result, there is a wide range of criminology careers that one can pursue, since the field is not only broad and deep, but also constantly expanding and evolving. In fact, many experts expect that the field of criminology is poised to grow at an accelerating rate, making it an exciting area to enter and a permanent area of job growth. So when we look at what criminologists do and where they do it, it’s clear that there are lots of different opportunities and environments. However, it’s also clear that the experts in the field are making real, measurable effects on the shape of the job itself and the way we think about, prevent and control crime in society. And crime analyst careers are one of the most immediate and direct examples of this. Crime analysts employ many of the most common methods and practices in the field of criminology, from studying statistical data and employing deductive logic to systematically observing trends and designating probable causes for observed phenomena. Such careers often involve close contact with law enforcement agencies and generally are considered wonderful opportunities for new graduates of graduate degrees with an interest in criminology and digital scholarship. The results of crime analysis, particularly as these findings are used to allocate law enforcement resources, shape public policy and implement more effective prevention measures, can be immediately visible and very rewarding. Given their critical objectives, crime analyst jobs are increasingly important not only for creating a safer society but also in understanding how the modern digital world can either help or hinder efforts to control and prevent crime. Not surprisingly, over the last decade, the field of digital and data analysis in the context of criminology generally, and, in particular, the study of criminological phenomena and crime itself has seen an explosion in both the range of applications and the type of knowledge that’s being produced. And this means you’ll now find that many graduate programs in criminology are offering specializations in digital data analysis. These programs typically lead to specialized master’s degrees and, in conclusion, it’s clear that the scholarly focus and professional application of criminology are best served when ample ethics, sound scientific practice and diverse viewpoints are synthesized. Careers in any aspect of criminology really do offer the chance to make a real, positive impact on the way we view and manage crime and criminals in society. Whether in a research capacity or in a more hands-on public advocacy role, individuals with a passionate and inquisitive mind are quite sure to find a niche of interest that allows them to make a valuable and notable contribution to the field.
4.2 Careers in Criminal Justice
Various types of careers are available to those who have a degree in criminal justice. Federal, state, and local governments – as well as private businesses – offer a wealth of employment opportunities, from correctional officer to probation officer, from police officer to detective. Whether you are seeking a career in law enforcement, the court systems, or the field of corrections, a degree in criminal justice can help get you there. At the same time, the field of criminal justice itself is undergoing great changes due to the rapid development of technology. Improvements in DNA, forensic science, data management, and computer technology have revolutionized the capability of law enforcement to detect and prevent crime. This has allowed the criminal justice field to offer more diverse and dynamic career opportunities than ever before. For example, digital forensics specialists who use computer technology to gather evidence are in high demand; this field is projected to grow by an amazing 20 percent over the next decade. Students interested in criminal justice have many advantages when planning their future careers. Not only is a criminal justice degree broad-ranging and highly in demand, it can be used as a springboard to work in a wide variety of fields within both the public and private sectors. Also, criminal justice careers have the great advantage of having competitive salaries; in the recent years, many careers in the field have started to offer salaries that are far above the national median income. This is coupled with the fact that a criminal justice career offers the potential to continue up the career ladder and move into more senior, higher-paying roles. This is particularly the case in public sector positions such as law enforcement, where there is a clear structure in place for different ranks of officers and management personnel. In addition to good salaries and career prospects, a criminal justice career also offers the chance to make a real difference in society. Whether through the provision of key services, like those offered in the field of rehabilitation, or through enforcement and criminal prevention roles, those who choose to work in criminal justice do so because they care about making sure that justice is maintained within society. This sense of purpose and the knowledge that one’s work is contributing to the greater good has also made the field more popular and seen an increase in the number of students pursuing criminal justice degrees in recent years.
4.3 Real-World Applications of Criminology and Criminal Justice
The final section of our report explores the real-world applications of the two fields. Real-world applications of criminology and criminal justice include areas such as court services, prison services, forensic services, and the police force. In court services, criminology and criminal justice play a proportionate and probative role. It can be used for sentencing purposes both in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. In the Magistrates’ Court, the maximum sentencing power is 12 months’ imprisonment. However, criminology and criminal justice give the probation and prison services a better understanding of the convicted in relation to the social, physical, and mental issues faced. In forensic services, criminology and criminal justice help the police to evaluate the physical evidence left at a crime scene. This type of evidence is very important in aiding an understanding of how and why a crime was committed. As a response, there is a whole scope of forensic opportunities available to those seeking a career in this area. Lastly, in the prison services, criminology and criminal justice assist in better prisoner management and rehabilitation. Many prison officers and rehabilitation officers will undergo theoretical and practical criminology and criminal justice training to strengthen their understanding and build upon their careers. Last but not least, criminology and criminal justice apply to the police force. The police are one of the key criminal justice agencies, and both criminologists and criminal justice professionals play a fundamental role in advising and training the police force in the most current and innovative practices in the field of modern policing. Our understanding of crime, how it is committed, and the best ways to minimize harm and pursue justice have all been enhanced by pioneering work in both criminology and criminal justice. In fact, students who have studied these disciplines and gone on to careers within the police force have suggested that many of the major and national recruitment campaigns have specifically referenced candidates with a background in criminology and criminal justice. These fields provide globally focused and interdisciplinarily prepared minds with academic and practical knowledge on current and innovative methods in the fight against crime, the protection of civil liberties, and the fair application of criminal justice. As such, there is a whole array of opportunities available. “Real-world” applications include the chance to study and find careers that specialize in areas such as human rights, crime prevention, homeland security, victim support, disaster response, environmental protection, and third sector or non-governmental research and academic opportunities. However, many graduates are likely to consider pursuing criminology or criminal justice-related careers within the established social and criminal justice systems due to the security, structure, and progression these careers offer.

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