This book covers two main sections: criminology and the science of punishment. Regarding the criminology section, the first segment is dedicated to the scientific approaches to interpreting criminal phenomena, while the second segment focuses on the motivating factors for committing crimes, including a preliminary discussion of criminology studies and research. In the section related to the science of punishment, the book examines two fundamental topics: criminal sanctions and punitive treatment.
The relationship between criminology and the science of punishment is evident in the fact that each complements the other and serves as a means for achieving its goals. The effectiveness of the science of punishment in selecting appropriate means for implementing sanctions can only be achieved by understanding the reasons that led a person to commit a crime and examining his/her personality traits, which falls within the scope of criminology. Alternatively, the science of punishment provides criminology with various human models for conducting research that contributes to validating its assumptions.
Criminology focuses on the interpretation of criminal phenomena based on various theories that seek to explain these phenomena within the individual or their surrounding environment. This science also examines the factors influencing crime commission, whether they originate from within the individual or from their social, economic, political, or geographical environment. Criminology also plays a role in reducing the spread of crime in society by proposing solutions to address its causes. By classifying different types of criminals, we can develop specific rehabilitation and reformation programs for offenders during their incarceration. This is where the role of the science of punishment comes into play, as it aims to find the best methods to treat criminals to achieve the objectives of criminal sanctions, such as reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration into society, and ultimately reducing the likelihood of recommitting crime.