The Italian School of Criminology

Associate Professor at SMC University, Switzerland

*Corresponding author: Hassan Mohammadi Nevisi, Associate Professor at SMC University, Switzerland, Phone: +989124511132; Email: [email protected]

Received Date: June 05, 2025

Published Date: June 30, 2025

Citation: Nevisi HM. (2025). The Italian School of Criminology. Mathews J Foren. 6(1):15.

Copyrights Nevisi HM. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

The Italian School of Criminology, emerging in the late 19th century, represents a foundational movement in the development of modern criminological thought. Rooted in the work of pioneering scholars, such as Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Raffaele Garofalo, the school introduced revolutionary ideas that sought to explain criminal behavior through biological and sociological lenses. This article explores the historical context of the Italian School, its core theories including the concept of the "born criminal" and criminal anthropology and its methodological approaches. While groundbreaking at the time, many of its theories have been subject to significant criticism and reevaluation in light of contemporary scientific understanding. Nevertheless, the Italian School’s influence on criminological research, forensic science, and penal policy remains profound. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Italian School’s legacy, highlighting both its contributions and limitations within the broader field of criminology.

Keywords: Italian School of Criminology, Cesare Lombroso, Criminal Anthropology, Positivist Criminology, Criminological Theories.