The positivist period of development of criminological science: theoretical aspect

The article is devoted to highlighting the essence and content theories of the positivist period of the development of criminological science. The issues related to the directions of positivist criminology - biological and sociological, as well as the differences between the positivist period and the classical period are analyzed. Despite the significant difference in the views of representatives of these directions, the boundary between them has become somewhat blurred over time and mutual penetration has occurred, which has manifested itself, in particular, in the emergence of psychological theories in criminology. The founder of positivist criminology in general and the biological direction in particular is Cesare Lombroso. During his observations, he came to the conclusion that criminal behavior is causally determined and a typical criminal can be identified by physical characteristics, such as a sloping forehead, elongated or, conversely, underdeveloped ears, a massive chin, facial wrinkles, large brow ridges, deep-set eyes, etc. The author emphasizes that the sociological direction emerged as a result of disappointment and loss of interest in the purely biological aspects of crime. He was characterized by a combination of criminal law doctrine and a sociological vision of crime. In the article, the author also emphasizes that psychological approaches have also developed within the positivist direction of criminology. From a practical point of view, the special testing of criminals developed by representatives of this approach, which is widely implemented abroad, is of great importance. From a practical point of view, the special testing of criminals developed by representatives of this approach, which is widely implemented abroad, is of great importance. Tests developed by specialists contribute to a deeper study of the characteristics of the offender’s personality, make it possible to compare the latter with law-abiding citizens, and implement individual measures to prevent repeated criminal behavior.