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Demonology is one of the earliest theories in criminology. This theory was one of the theory
of pre-classical school. In the ancient times, people believed that evil spirits or demons entered
the human soul and made people commit sins. This was the earliest explanation given regarding
crime and criminal behavior. Terms like demons, witches and windigo were used for people
who had turned criminals under demonic influence. The society thought that it all happened
due to evil spirits. Supernatural powers were considered the best explanation behind crime and
sin them. It was believed that a person did not commit crimes of his own free will but because
he was under the influence of evil. Still, demonology is not a suitable or proper explanation for
criminal behavior since instead of relying on real factors, there are unreal or mythical facts in
its foundation. Several theories have followed demonology that provide newer and better
perspectives on crime. However, demonology has not still grown totally irrelevant. In many
parts of the world, people still believe in the existence of evil spirits. Such people or
communities try to explain sinful or criminal behavior as the wrongdoings of Satan. In the
ancient times, science and technology had not advanced as much and therefore everything evil
was committed under the influence of demons and satanic powers. Due to a lack of education,
no proper explanation was available for criminal behaviour. Demonology provided
generalized explanations that did not offer a suitable basis for criminal behavior.
Historical background
The period of seventeeth and eighteenth century in Europe was dominated by the scholasticism
of Saint Thomas Acquinas (1225-1274).The dominance of religion in state activities was the
chief characterictics of that time. In political sphere, thinkers such as Hobbes and Locke were
concentrating on social contract as the basis of social evolution. The concept of Divine right of
king advocating supremacy of monarch was held in great esteem. As scientific knowledge was
yet unknown the concept of crime Saint Thomas Aquinas. The dominance of religion in State
activities was the chief characteristic was rather vague and obscure. The pre-classicals
considered crime and criminals as an evidence of The period of seventeenth and eighteenth
century in Europe was dominated by the scholasticism of Saint the fact that the individual was
possessed of devil or demon the only cure for which was testimony of the effectiveness of the
spirit. Worships, sacrifices and ordeals by water and fire were usually prescribed to specify the
spirit and relieve the victim from its evil influence. An ordeal is an ancient manner of trial in
criminal cases.
This approach and the penal code thereof had no followers because it was
1) Unscientific
2) Irrational and