Citation

Phipps CA. J. Crim. Law Criminol. 1999; 89(2): 535-613.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Northwestern University School of Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Those who kill young children are nearly always caretakers or persons in a significant relationship to the child. The homicide of infants and young children is infrequently accomplished with the use of firearms, knives, or other weapons commonly classified as dangerous. Rather, very young children are killed at the hands of their caretakers. Although the most common cause of death in children under five years of age is beating, the very youngest victims are more likely to be suffocated, violently shaken, or thrown.

This article provides a thorough commentary on public opinion and the established law concerning the investigvation and prosecution of these acts.