NCJ Number
189576
Journal
Homicide Studies Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 187-205
Date Published
August 2001
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article assesses the theoretical and political considerations associated with the structural determinants of justifiable homicide.
Abstract
Although there is an abundance of research examining the influence of structural conditions on total homicides, less is known about the differential influence of structural conditions on homicide disaggregated by type. Justifiable homicide by civilians represents one type of homicide that has received little attention in the literature, particularly at the macro level. Given the debate about the role of guns in cases of self-defense, it is clear that this category of homicide is important to study for theoretical and practical reasons. This article contains an empirical assessment of these issues using data from 188 U.S. cities with populations of more than 100,000. The findings indicate that cities with higher rates of violence, with more divorced men, and located in States with less restrictive laws regarding concealable firearms had higher rates of justifiable homicide. In addition, as cities increased the level of police per capita, justifiable homicide rates were significantly lowered. Tables, notes, references