Understanding Homicide

Synopsis

In this engaging and accessible book, Brookman draws upon several decades of her own research on homicide and violence, including ethnographic research on homicide investigation in the UK and USA and interviews with violent offenders, in order to unravel the characteristics and causes of homicide, how police and forensic scientists investigate it and how it can be prevented.

Synthesising bespoke new analysis of the Home Office Homicide Index with case studies of homicides and international debate and literature, this comprehensive textbook will be a valuable resource for students studying homicide, violence, its investigation and responses to it, as well as researchers and practitioners interested in homicide and violence.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nature of Homicide

* Definition of homicide and its legal classifications (murder, manslaughter, etc.)
* Incidental, situational, and instrumental homicides
* Historical evolution of homicide rates and patterns

Example: A road rage incident that results in a fatal crash (incidental homicide)

Chapter 2: Theories of Homicide

* Biological and psychological theories (e.g., evolutionary psychology, genetics)
* Sociological theories (e.g., social disorganization, strain theory)
* Integrated theories that combine biological, psychological, and social factors

Example: A study linking low serotonin levels with increased aggression and homicide risk

Chapter 3: The Victims of Homicide

* Demographic characteristics of homicide victims (e.g., age, race, gender)
* Risk factors for victimization (e.g., involvement in crime, drug use)
* The impact of homicide on victims' families and communities

Example: The murder of a young woman in a domestic violence incident

Chapter 4: The Offenders of Homicide

* Demographic characteristics of homicide offenders (e.g., age, race, gender)
* Motivations for homicide (e.g., anger, jealousy, financial gain)
* Risk factors for offending (e.g., history of violence, mental illness)

Example: A case study of a serial killer driven by a desire for power and control

Chapter 5: The Investigation and Prosecution of Homicide

* The role of law enforcement and forensic science in investigating homicides
* The prosecution of homicide cases, including evidence collection and trial strategies
* The challenges of proving intent and establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

Example: A cold case in which DNA evidence is used to identify and prosecute a suspect years later

Chapter 6: The Death Penalty and Homicide

* Historical and legal arguments for and against the death penalty
* The impact of the death penalty on homicide rates and criminal behavior
* Ethical and moral considerations in capital punishment

Example: The debate over the use of the death penalty in cases of mass murder

Chapter 7: Homicide Prevention

* Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies for reducing homicide
* Early childhood intervention programs, community policing, and gun control measures
* The importance of addressing social and economic factors that contribute to violence

Example: A community outreach program that provides violence prevention education and support services