CC202 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Serial Killer, Malice Aforethought, Sexual Sadism Disorder
Document Summary
Researchers depend on law and enforcement to guide their research. No consensus because of the various angles the term is viewed. This matters because there are so many definitions as to what makes a person a serial murderer; this is problematic from the legal perspective for keeping the sentencing of serial murderers consistent. Consensus is needed to ensure a common understanding of the term between researchers and law enforcement professionals. Differences in the way its defined scholarly vs. legally further complicates the meaning of the word no definition. A uniform definition will help answer questions of the increasing rates of serial murder. Serial murder internally motivated- great deal of time fantasizing and planning before killing. 3 or more separate events in 3 or more separate locations with cooling periods and the motive being sexual. 3 or more separate premeditated events over time, in a civilian context, with the murder activity being chosen by the offender.
