NCJ Number
35113
Date Published
1975
Length
338 pages
Annotation
THIS DISSERTATION EXAMINES THE NATURE AND PATTERNS OF KIDNAPPING IN FEDERAL JURISDICTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES OVER THE FOUR DECADE PERIOD FROM THE PASSAGE OF THE LINDBERGH LAW IN 1932 UP THROUGH 1969.
Abstract
THE MATERIAL CONSIDERED EMPHASIZES THE COMPLEXITY OF THIS FORM OF CRIMINALITY AS A PRODUCT OF NUMEROUS SOCIAL FACTORS. SOCIAL DETERMINANCY IN A CRIMINAL SITUATION IS EXPLORED FROM TWO PRINCIPAL POINTS OF VIEW. THE FIRST ATTEMPTS TO DEAL WITH THE ACT ITSELF, EXPLORING THE MODUS OPERANDI OF THE ACT OF KIDNAPPING, ITS RATIONALE, AND SITUATIONAL FACTORS. WHILE THE SECOND EXAMINES THE PERPETRATOR, HIS SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND HIS SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE VICTIM. ANALYSES WERE MADE OF BASIC DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES: SEX, RACE, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, FAMILY BACKGROUNDS, AND PREVIOUS CRIMINAL RECORDS (ARRESTS, CONVICTIONS, INSTITUTIONALIZATION). IN THE CRIME SITUATION PATTERN INVESTIGATION IS MADE REGARDING THE MANNER AND LOCALE OF VICTIM-OFFENDER ENCOUNTER, THE MEANS OF COERCION, THE DURATION OF VICTIM DETENTION, AND THE DEGREE OF VIOLENCE EMPLOYED IN THE CRIME. SPECIAL REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE GOALS AND INTENT OF THE OFFENDER WHICH MIGHT GENERATE EMPIRICAL REGULARITIES AND GENERALIZABLE BEHAVIOR PATTERNS. OTHER ISSUES DISCUSSED CONCERN THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS IN THE CRIME SITUATION, AND INDICATIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN THE OFFENDER. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)