Citation

Unnithan NP. J. Crim. Justice 1994; 22(1): 41-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(94)90047-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Homicide cases involving child victims evoke great public anger. This study examined the processing of such cases through the criminal justice system using interviews with officials of two Texas counties. Contingencies affect the process, even in this normatively serious crime, at two levels. Systemic issues include problems in classifying deaths due to varying forensic medical resources, the unexpected philosophical positioning of criminal justice officials, and the use of statutes other than homicide. The last is done in pursuit of more severe penalties where the evidence might sustain only manslaughter charges. Case-specific situational elements include victim-perpetrator relationship, gender of the perpetrator, the presence of mental or physical handicaps in the victim, media publicity, the use of discipline as a defense, and manner of death.