NCJ Number
132034
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 14 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (Spring-Winter 1990) Pages: 281-288
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Using historical records, this descriptive analysis of the criminology of power traces the crimes of heads of state from the medieval to modern times. The various crimes of heads of state are delineated from Europe and Africa down to Asian countries.
Abstract
The criminality of the twentieth century heads of state encompasses the atrocities perpetrated by Idi Amin, Ferdinand Marcos, the Shah of Iran, and many others. Unlike those of ordinary murderers and thiefs, the crimes of heads of state damage many generations of their countrymen through deprivation and corruption. The crimes of heads of state institutionalize various forms of political crimes as well as providing the underprivileged elements of society a technique for neutralizing their guilt and condoning all kinds of crime in society. The author concludes that the Machievellian maxim that the end justifies the means is not true for either these criminal heads of state nor for their people. 10 references (Author abstract modified)