CRIMINOLOGICAL DOCTRINE AS A COMPLEX OF THE CRIMINOLOGICAL SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Introduction. Based on the results of empirical and theoretical research, the article examines the understudied issue of complexity within criminological science through the understanding of the criminological doctrine as a key complex of the criminological system of Ukraine. A number of arguments are provided to substantiate the relevance of the issues under study. The fragmented nature of knowledge on this topic is explained by the limited interdisciplinary (interbranch) interpretation of the concept of complexity both in the field of legal science in general and in criminology in particular. The aim of the study is to explore the external-system and internal-system characteristics of the complexity of criminological theory as a distinct level of the criminological system of Ukraine. The results of the study are based on the dialectical method, its individual principles, laws, and categories. The conceptualization of the problem of complexity in criminological science is grounded in the general scientific methodology of the systems approach.

Summary of the main results of the study. The complex nature of criminological doctrine is revealed through: conducting a discussion on the issue of considering criminology as a “complex” science; identifying intersystem connections of criminology with other sciences of the criminal law block; providing arguments in favor of the systemic nature of crime; presenting a scientific description of the internal-system integrity of the criminological doctrine across all elements of the subject of criminology; and evaluating traditional views on the scope of criminological science.

Conclusion. It is substantiated that the understanding of complexity is possible through the criminological system of Ukraine; the criminological doctrine is the foundation of such a systemic object; criminology itself is not a complex science; crime is a social system; and the classical subject of criminological science should be expanded.