CRI 161: INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL
JUSTICE SYSTEM
SAMSON, MATHEW D.
CRIM1-MAIN23
KEN JAYNARD A. CASTRO, RCRIM.
INSTRUCTOR
Reflection Paper for CRI 161: “Crime, Criminal Law and Concepts of Justice”
1. Based on the answer of the guest speaker, what are some reasons people
commit crimes? How can understanding these factors help you, as a future
criminologist who wants to do what’s right, to solve problems and to make your
community safer?
Based on the statements of the guest speaker, he said that there are many reasons why
people commit a crime. It includes poverty, societal issues and personal behavior. In fact, he
highlighted the three types of school of thought, which are the Classical, Neo-classical, and
Positivist that study the factors of how people were being attached to criminality. Well,
studying these factors helps me and all of the criminology students in the future because in
case of having such incidents like robbery, murders, and any types of unlawful acts and
violations. Furthermore, understanding psychological factors allows future criminologists to
reform rehabilitation programs. A comprehensive understanding of criminology equips us to
build safer communities. The study of criminology is not totally limited to academic purposes;
it is a vital tool for positive social change.
2. Why is it important for police officers and other law enforcers to have good values
and strong morals? How do these qualities help them gain
people’s trust?
For me, as a criminology student, it is very important and crucial for our police officers and law
enforcers to have good values and strong morals. Due to the different types of scenarios everywhere
around here in the Philippines, they also encountered different personalities and behavior of Filipino
individuals. One of the basic units of having good values is being kind and helpful, because they are the
one who takes the lead first in case of having any troubles in the community. Police officers and law
enforcers hold a position of power and trust. Having strong values and morals ensures they act with
integrity, fairness, and respect for everyone, even when facing difficult situations. This builds public
confidence and helps maintain the rule of law. As I mentioned above, these qualities are important being
a police officer and it must be in general to gain people and public trust to have a safer community and
validity for their duty. Therefore, most of our Filipino people respect and appreciate the police and this is
the result of the people's cooperation with them.
3. Based on the speaker’s perspective, he mentioned that it’s important to help
criminals change their ways through rehabilitation instead of just punishing
them. How can this approach transform the lives of offenders, victims, and the
community as a whole?
As the speaker mentioned, rehabilitation is an effective way to change the behavior of
offenders not just as a punishment but also it offers a transformative approach to crime. It
helps offenders rebuild their lives, increases safety for victims, and creates stronger
communities. Moreover, it can serve as their ruling guide to set new boundaries and limitations
for their life. Additionally, it is aligned on the positive school that focuses on the treatment of
the criminals how to change their behavior through rehabilitation rather than solely punishment.
Throughout the rehabilitation process, it can contribute to building up one's personality
encouraging offenders to be a better person. Safer communities benefit from fewer crimes,
and families are less likely to be torn apart. Rehabilitation also helps offenders become
productive members of society, contributing to the economy and building a stronger
community. Lastly, in rehabilitation, we can create a more suitable and equitable society for
everyone.
