Firstly, Neil Websdale shows the difference between an everyday and abstracted empirism. The author believes that the last one dominates in the criminology of the United States. However, this approach limits the understanding of a homicide as a process (Websdale 2, 1999). Also abstracted empirism lacks the knowledge on human interrelations. Websdale illustrate the limitations with the help of the Florida statute on domestic homicide. Further, the notions of “intimate-partner homicide” and “family homicide” are explained. The intimate-partner homicide is examined in details. It includes the killing of a spouse or a lover. Websdale does not only provide the statistical data on race, gender and age, he analyzes the interconnections between these factors and explains the homicides with the help of numerous case studies. Besides, he examines the dynamics of such murders and the issue of the so-called “love triangle”. The family homicide cases are analyzed on the basis of the victim of the murder. They can be divided into parricide, fratricide or sororicide, and killing of children (Websdale 12-13, 1999). The author analyzes the classic portrait of a child abuser and killer. Further, the statistical data on age, race and ethnicity are examined. The notion of “multiple domestic killing” is explained in the chapter. It has the features of both previous types of the domestic homicide as well as the unique characteristics. The author investigates the homicide-suicide, mercy killings and familicide issues. Finally, the author turns the attention to the possible precursors of the murders.
The chapter has a lot of scientific data and statistical analysis. It is the biggest strength of this piece. However, it is hard to read through all the number, which amount is enormous.
Works Cited
Websdale, Neil. Understanding Domestic Homicide. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1999. Print.
