Criminal Sociology and Ethics Reviewer for CLE Philippines 2026

Criminal Sociology and Ethics is the most theoretical subject in the CLE. The theories are not difficult once you understand what each one is trying to explain. The challenge is keeping them organized and distinct from each other when exam questions present similar-sounding concepts side by side.

This reviewer gives you the major criminological theories organized by school of thought, plus the professional ethics standards that apply to licensed criminologists in the Philippines.

The Three Major Schools of Criminological Thought

Major Criminological Theories for the CLE

Anomie Theory in Detail

Emile Durkheim introduced anomie as a condition of normlessness where social rules no longer effectively regulate behavior. During rapid social change, deviance increases.

Robert Merton adapted this to American society. He identified five adaptations when people cannot reach cultural goals through legitimate means:

Conformity accepts both goals and means. Most people conform.

Innovation accepts goals but rejects legitimate means and adopts illegitimate ones. This is the adaptation most associated with crime.

Ritualism rejects goals but continues following legitimate means.

Retreatism rejects both goals and means, seen in chronic substance dependence.

Rebellion rejects both and substitutes new ones, as in revolutionary movements.

Differential Association Theory

Edwin Sutherland argued that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others in intimate personal groups. Key points for the CLE:

Criminal behavior is learned, not inherited or invented independently.

The learning happens through communication in intimate groups, not through mass media.

A person becomes criminal when definitions favorable to violating the law exceed definitions favorable to obeying it.

Professional Ethics for Licensed Criminologists

Core Ethical Principles

Integrity: Honesty and truthfulness in all professional dealings including reports and court testimony.

Objectivity: Findings must be based on evidence and professional judgment, not personal bias or client preference.

Competence: Practice only within actual training, education, and experience. Taking on work beyond one's competence is a violation.

Confidentiality: Information obtained in professional work must be kept confidential except when disclosure is required by law.

Respect for the law: A criminologist must comply with Philippine laws and may not use professional skills to facilitate illegal activity.

Republic Act 6506: Philippine Criminology Profession Act

RA 6506 established the professional status of criminologists and created the Board of Examiners for Criminology under the PRC. Only registered criminologists may practice criminology in the Philippines. The scope of practice includes law enforcement, correctional administration, crime detection and investigation, and instruction of criminology subjects.

How to Study This Subject

The biggest mistake is memorizing theories as disconnected facts. A better approach: understand each theory as an answer to the question "what causes crime?" Then ask what solution each theory recommends.

When a CLE question gives you a scenario, identify which element maps to which theory. A young man who grew up poor in a high-crime neighborhood and was influenced by gang members involves Strain Theory for the economic frustration, Differential Association for the gang influence, and Social Disorganization for the neighborhood context.

Practice questions for Criminal Sociology and Ethics are available at LisensyaPrep. No account needed.