Penology
Meaning of Penology |
Penology is the scientific study of the punishment and rehabilitation of criminals. It is a multidisciplinary field that includes sociology, psychology, criminology, and law.
Penologists study the nature of the crime, the effects of punishment on offenders, and alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation.
Definition: Penology is a branch of criminology focusing on theories of punishment and their impact on individuals and society.
Etymology: Derived from Latin, “pena” (punishment) and “logos” (study), reflecting its nature as the study of punishment.
Origin: Coined by French criminologist Auguste Forel in 1885 in his book “Penology: The Science of Crime and Punishment.”
Purpose: Penologists aim to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce crime rates through the study of criminal justice systems.
Focus: Examines the effects of punishment on both offenders and society.
Historical Context: Emerged in the late 19th century, formalized by Forel’s introduction of the term “penology” in 1885.