NCJ Number
102924
Journal
Medicine, Science and the Law Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1986) Pages: 299-303
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study compares the characteristics of homicide offenders and their acts in Iceland for 1940-1969 and 1970-1984.
Abstract
The study covered all cases of intentional and unintentional homicide, since Icelandic penal law does not distinguish between murder and manslaughter. Data were obtained from police and court reports. Psychiatric reports were available for arrested offenders. The variables examined were the premeditated nature of the homicide, the offender's action after the homicide, sentence length, and the involvement of alcohol and drug abuse. The 1970-1984 period showed a homicide rate increase of about .85 per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 1940-1969, which is a rate similar to that of most European countries. This increase applies only to intentional killings. In the latter period, more offenders attempted to escape detection, which relates to the greater frequency of premeditation for 1970-1984 homicides. Sentences were more severe for homicides in 1970-1984. Significantly more 1970-1984 homicide offenders were classified as abnormal, but this may be due to changes in psychiatric practice. There was an increase in the diagnosis of alcoholism and drug abuse among homicide offenders for 1970-1984. 5 tables and 8 references.