Criminology exam question: Is criminology a science? Discuss, and

The question (15 marks)

MU Module I, the nature of criminology; chapters on crime and the scope of criminology, and on the nature and scope of criminology.

Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.

It tests Unit 1 · Nature and Scope of Criminology, and its Schools of Criminology and Penology.

Authorities you will need

• The homogeneity, instability and competition objections to the scientific status of criminology
• The demarcation argument, proved by Goring's refutation of atavism
• Garland, on criminology's long past and short history and on its two projects
• Lacey, on criminalization as the frame holding criminology, criminal law and criminal justice together

How an answer is marked

A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.