CRIM 4400 Test #1

The clearance rate of an agency is the ratio of solved cases to reported cases in some period of time. Over the last several decades, homicide clearance rates have _____.

dropped by nearly 30%

Research on homicide is helpful to each of the following except ________-

perpetrators

Early criminologists were primarily _______ trying to understand criminal behavior based on the bodily makeup of a known criminal.

medical doctors

The main assumption of the classical school of thought was that people make ______ about their behavior and are therefore responsible for their actions.

choices

Why dynamic is NOT present in confrontational violence?

prior lengthy debate

Intimate partner homicide is the most extreme result of

intimate partner violence

Violence within the family setting includes

sexual abuse, psychological violence, and financial abuse

T/F - The very young and relatively old are more vulnerable to a physical assault by an offender and are also the most statistically likely to be murdered.

false

T/F - The largest category of murder involves a conflict or confrontation between non-intimates.

True

T/F - Neighborhood social cohesion (strength of relationships and sense of belonging) and socioeconomic disadvantage can affect the homicide rate.

true

T/F - The move to criminalize domestic violence was met with universal enthusiasm.

false

T/F - Contrary to a somewhat common belief, the killing of children is roughly split between the father and the mother.

true

T/F - Crime reporting in the United States is completely accurate because Uniform Crime Report participation by agencies is mandatory.

false

T/F - Degrees and definitions of homicide vary somewhat from state to state.

true

_______ often occurs because of a trivial/inconsequential matter in a public location that often involves younger males and alcohol.

confrontational homicide

_______________ is perpetrated by a current or former partner who share or have shared an intimate relationship.

intimate partner violence

_______________ is the killing of a child within the first year of life.

infantcide

What are the two leading motivations for familicide ?

• response to anger & revenge for a partner leaving or threatening to leave

• male believes he is saving family members from future of disappointment & destitution, after he has experienced a series of setbacks

Explain the role of audience in confrontational homicide.

• Often during incidents, there are victims, offenders, and bystanders, who could either encourage or discourage an incident from escalating.

• Depending on the situation, social constraints to deter violence may not be present. In the worst-case scenario, conflicts can take the form of group confrontations, with a “mob mentality” where rational thought is absent, and multiple people may act irrationally and engage in violence, resulting in a death.

How can knowing who dies (i.e. homicide victims) help the work of researchers and policymakers?

• gives researchers a better understanding of the causes and motivations behind one person harming anothers

• allows researchers to understand patters, which can help investigators as they determine who is accountable for a homicide

• policymakers can craft effective legislation and create programs that prevent violence

What is the difference between homicide and murder?

homicide is the killing of one person by another

murder is criminal and involves intent or reckless disregard for life

What are the three main types of homicide?

• criminal -

• justifiable -

• excusable -

What are the degrees of criminal homicide?

• 1st degree - premeditated and intentional killing; requires malice and intent to do harm

• 2nd degree - acts that can lead to death and great bodily harm; even if act was not necessarily intended to cause great harm

• manslaughter - act in which offender lacks malice or premeditation; reflects judgement of prosecutor

What does it mean for a case to be cleared?

law enforcement identified and arrested a suspect or closes the case through exceptional means (suspect died)

What factors affect a clearance rate?

availability of evidence, witness cooperation, resources of law enforcement agencies, and the relationship between the victim and offender

What are the three classical criminology schools?

Preclassical (demonological), classical and positivist

Preclassical (demonological)

criminal behavior is caused by spirits, demons and unknown powers

Classical

criminal behavior is a choice; Cesare Becarria was a key figure - argued people are rational and evaluate pros & cons before making a decision

What did Cesare Lombroso contribute to criminology?

concept of atavism - criminals have biological traits of earlier human evolution

What is Social Learning Theory in context of homicide?

people learn violent behaviors through observation, imitation, and reinforcement

confrontational homicide

arises from interpersonal disputes, often in public settings and involving young males

how does alcohol influence confrontational homicide

impairs judgement and increases aggression, making violent encounters more likely

what role does the audience play in confrontational homicide

can escalate or de-escalate a violent situation by encouraging or discouraging conflict

what is intimate partner homicide

killing of a current or former intimate partner

what are major risk factors for intimate partner homicide

prior domestic violence, access to fire arms, pregnancy and attempts to leave the relationship

what is the violence against women act (1994)

US federal law that provides protections and resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault

what is familicide

killing of multiple family members

filicide

killing of one’s own child

2 major motivations for familicide

• retaliation against a partner leaving

• belief that killing family members will “save” them from future suffering

What are Luckenbill’s six stages of a situated transaction?

1. Initial insult, 2) Interpretation as offense, 3) Retaliatory response, 4) Escalation, 5) Violence, 6) Resolution.

How does aggressive driving relate to road rage homicide?

Aggressive driving increases hostility, which can escalate into violent road rage incidents.

What is a lethality assessment in domestic violence cases?

A tool used to evaluate the risk of an abuser committing homicide.

Why is pregnancy a risk factor for intimate partner homicide?

It can escalate control and violence in abusive relationships.

What makes prosecuting intimate partner homicide difficult?

Lack of witnesses, victim withdrawal from prior abuse reports, and self-defense claims.

What is neonaticide?

The killing of a newborn within 24 hours of birth.

Why is familicide often committed by a male patriarch?

Motivations include financial despair, control issues, or revenge against a partner.

What is the intergenerational transmission of violence?

The concept that violence is learned and passed down through family generations.