Mumbai University | Criminology & Correctional Administration PYQ | June 2023

Criminology is not merely the study of crime—it is the study of human behaviour, social failure, and the State’s response to deviance. For law students, this subject demands more than definitions; it requires the ability to apply legal principles to real-life situations, as reflected in university examination patterns.

Mumbai University’s previous year question papers offer a clear window into what the examiner actually expects from students of Criminology and Correctional Administration. When analysed carefully, these questions reveal the core syllabus, recurring themes, and areas of high scoring potential.

This blog presents a cleanly rewritten and error-free version of a previous year question paper, designed not just for reading, but for active practice. Each question has been structured in a clear, student-friendly format so that learners can test their understanding, improve answer-writing skills, and align their preparation with examination standards.

For the benefit of students, a downloadable practice file has also been provided alongside this blog, enabling systematic revision and self-assessment.

Mumbai University | Time: 2 Hours | Marks: 60 | June 2023

Question 1. Answer any SIX of the following questions. (Each answer should not exceed two sentences.) (12 Marks)

1. What is meant by prison and lock-up?
2. Explain the concept of atavism.
3. What is meant by the hedonistic and egoistic approach to criminal behaviour?
4. State the scope of Criminology.
5. According to the Pre-Classical School, what is the cause of crime?
6. What are the characteristics of pseudo-criminals?
7. What kinds of punishments are prescribed under the Indian Penal Code, 1860?
8. What is probation?
9. What is meant by organized crime?
10. What is victimology?

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Question 2. Write short notes on any TWO of the following. (12 Marks)

1. Neo-Classical School of Criminology
2. Preventive Theory of Punishment
3. Criminality in prisons
4. Habitual criminals

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Question 3. Answer any TWO of the following problem-based questions. (12 Marks)

1. Drugs and Criminal Procedure

An executive is caught in possession of a reasonable quantity of drugs.

a) Can he be arrested without a warrant? Give reasons.
b) Which court has the jurisdiction to take cognizance of such an offence?

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2. Epilepsy, Criminal Responsibility and Classification

A young soldier, aged about 21 years, neither intelligent nor vicious, suffered from epileptic fits. During one such fit, he attacked and killed eight fellow soldiers. After the incident, he fell into a deep sleep for twelve hours and, upon waking, had no memory of the events.

a) Which criminological theory studies such cases? How are criminals classified under this theory?
b) According to this theory, what are the causes of crime?

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3. Juvenile Justice and Heinous Offences

A twelve-year-old boy was a co-accused in a case of gang rape and murder.

a) Under which law will he be tried? Explain.
b) What remedies are provided under the said law?

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4. Open Prisons and Life Convicts

Two persons sentenced to life imprisonment have shown consistently good behaviour.

a) Can they be transferred to an open prison?
b) State the advantages and disadvantages of open prisons.

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Question 4. Answer any TWO of the following descriptive questions. (24 Marks)

1. Explain the Sociological Theory of Criminology.
2. Write an essay on Media and Crime.
3. Discuss the Indian prison system with special emphasis on reformative measures.
4. Should capital punishment be abolished? Discuss.

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✦ Note: This question paper places strong emphasis on:

• Criminological theories
• Criminal responsibility
• Prison administration and reform
• Juvenile justice
• Capital punishment debates

A structured practice of such questions enables students to develop conceptual clarity, legal reasoning, and application skills essential for criminology examinations.

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✍Conclusion

Criminology is a subject where clarity of thought matters as much as legal knowledge. Writing precise, well-structured answers—especially in problem-based and descriptive questions—often makes the difference between an average and an excellent score.

By practising previous year questions in a disciplined manner, students not only strengthen their conceptual foundation but also develop the confidence to handle unfamiliar fact situations in the examination hall. This rewritten question paper is intended to serve exactly that purpose: practice with direction, not guesswork.

Students are encouraged to download the attached file, attempt the questions under timed conditions, and critically evaluate their answers with reference to statutory provisions and relevant case laws. Regular engagement with such papers transforms preparation from passive reading into active legal reasoning.

Ultimately, mastery in criminology lies in understanding crime not just as an offence, but as a social phenomenon demanding a balanced response of law, reform, and justice.

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