Why don't criminologists simply use the legal classifications of criminals in their studies of crime and criminal behavior?

Criminologists often avoid solely relying on legal classifications of criminals because these categories can be overly simplistic and may not capture the complexity of criminal behavior. Legal definitions can vary by jurisdiction and may not reflect the underlying social, psychological, and economic factors that contribute to crime. Additionally, legal classifications can overlook individuals who engage in criminal behavior but are not prosecuted, leading to an incomplete understanding of crime patterns. Therefore, criminologists prefer a more comprehensive approach that considers various factors influencing criminal behavior beyond legal labels.