CAPITAL PUNISHMENT AS SUICIDE AND AS MURDER

• NCJ Number: 26375
• Journal: American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 701-711
• Author(s): G F SOLOMON
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: American Orthopsychiatric Assoc, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE INCIDENCE OF MURDER BECAUSE IT CAN BE SOUGHT AS A RESULT OF SUICIDAL MOTIVATIONS AND BECAUSE IT SETS AN EXAMPLE OF KILLING AS A LEGITIMATE COPING DEVICE.

Abstract

THIS PAPER DEVELOPS THE THEME THAT MURDER CAN BE COMMITTED EITHER CONSCIOUSLY OR UNCONSCIOUSLY IN ORDER TO BE KILLED BY THE STATE. THE SECOND THEME OF THIS PAPER DERIVES FROM LEARNING THEORY AS WELL AS PSYCHOANALYTIC EGO PSYCHOLOGY. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT SOCIALLY SANCTIONED KILLING, IN THE FORM OF THE DEATH PENALTY OR WAR, MAY GENERALIZE TO OTHER SITUATIONS, CAUSING KILLING TO BECOME A LEARNED MODE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION. TWO CASE STUDIES ARE OFFERED AS ILLUSTRATION. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)