NCJ Number
248228
Journal
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology Volume: 3 Dated: 2014 Pages: 222-238
Date Published
2014
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that while criminal forms of homicide have been the focus of extant research, little attention has been given to normative forms of killing.
Abstract
This paper argues that while criminal forms of homicide have been the focus of extant research, little attention has been given to normative forms of killing. The authors argue that this omission is unfortunate and precludes a complete understanding of the contexts and consequences of killing. In this paper, the authors refer to three metaphors that are called into play when legitimizing certain forms of killing: Differential Life Value, Conservatism, and Justification. The authors call these "vocabularies of legitimation" and suggest that such normalization may serve to increase the prevalence of violence within society. Finally, the authors recommend some promising avenues for continuing research and possible directions for public policy. (Published Abstract)