NCJ Number
132370
Date Published
1991
Length
190 pages
Annotation
Drawn from current studies worldwide, this book uses a question-and-answer format to present information on the entire spectrum of issues relating to murder, both in American society and throughout the world.
Abstract
The information encompasses the definition of murder, the circumstances under which murder occurs, the frequency of murder, the methods of murder, the frequency with which guns are used in murder, and gun control and its impact on the murder rate. Information from an international perspective encompasses infanticide in primitive societies, countries with the highest murder rate, the number of nations with capital punishment for murder, the murder rate in the United State compared with rates in other countries, and countries with the highest infant murder rates. Information on the characteristics of murderers covers psychological, circumstantial, and biological factors in aggressive and violent behavior; the gender factor in murderers; the likelihood that murderers will murder again; childhood abuse as a factor in violent behavior; and the observation of violent sports as a factor in aggression. Other issues considered are the seasonal variation in murder, the processing of murder cases, the problems of homicide survivors, and the prevention of murder. References and tabular data accompany the answers to some questions.