Sexual Homicide by Older Male Offenders

Recent research has expanded our understanding of sexual homicide offenders (SHOs). However, little exists beyond case reports for older SHOs. We characterized male SHOs ≥ 55 years, comparing them to typical adult male SHOs who are in their 20s. Analysis of 37 years (1976–2012) of US Supplementary Homicide Reports data provided a large SHO sample (N = 3453). Three case reports provide clinical context for the diverse nature and patterns of older SHOs. Only 32 older male SHOs and no older female SHOs were identified. Murders by older SHOs accounted for only 0.5% of US sexual homicides. Unlike typical SHOs that generally target young adult females, over two‐thirds of older SHO victims were ≥40 years, and one‐third were ≥55 years. Sexual homicides by older SHOs, like sexual homicide in general, decreased over the study period. These crimes, while exceedingly rare, do occur, warranting special consideration.     

Agonal Sequences in Eight Filmed Hangings: Analysis of Respiratory and Movement Responses to Asphyxia by Hanging*

Abstract: It has been proposed that filmed hangings may hold the key to a better understanding of human asphyxia, and The Working Group on Human Asphyxia was formed to systematically review and compare these video recordings. This study analyzed eight filmed hangings. Considering time 0 to represent the onset of the final hanging, rapid loss of consciousness was observed (at 8–18 sec), closely followed by convulsions (at 10–19 sec). A complex pattern of decerebrate rigidity and decorticate rigidity then followed. Between 1 min 38 sec and 2 min 15 sec, muscle tone seemed to be lost, the body becoming progressively flaccid. From then on, isolated body movements were observed from time to time, the last one occurring between 1 min 2 sec and 7 min 31 sec. As for the respiratory responses, all cases presented deep rhythmic abdominal respiratory movements (last one between 1 min 2 sec and 2 min 5 sec).     

Toward a theory of induced institutional innovation

In this paper we elaborate a theory of institutional innovation in which changes in the demand for institutional innovation are induced by changes in relative resource endowments and by technical change. We illustrate, from agricultural history, how changes in resource endowments and technical change have induced changes in private property rights and in the development of non‐market institutions. We also consider the impact of advances in social science knowledge and of cultural endowments on the supply of institutional change. In a final section we present the elements of a model of institutional innovation that maps the relationships among resource endowments, cultural endowments, technology, and institutions.     

Review Article: Richard rose and territorial politics

Understanding the United Kingdom: The Territorial Dimension in Government, Richard Rose, Longman, 1982, pp. 228, £4.95 (paperback).

The Territorial Dimension in United Kingdom Politics, Peter Madgwick and Richard Rose (eds), Macmillan, 1982, pp. viii + 256, £25.00.

United Kingdom Facts, Richard Rose and Ian McAllister, Macmillan, 1982, pp. x + 168, £30.00.     

Perceiving misperception

With Perry to Japan: A Memoir by William Heine, translated, with an introduction and annotations, by Frederic Trautmann. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 1990. xv + 237 pp., illus. $32. ISBN 0-8248-1258-1.Images of Japanese Society: A Study in the Social Construction of Reality, by Ross Mouer and Yoshio Sugimoto. Kegan Paul International, London and New York, 1990. xxxii+552pp. £14.95 paperback. ISBN 0-7103-0379-3.Home, Sweet Tokyo: Life in a Weird and Wonderful City, By Rick Kennedy. Kodansha International, Tokyo and New York, 1989. 192 pp. £3.95 paperback. ISBN 0-87011-908-7.Asia in Western Fiction, edited by Robin W. Winks and James R. Rush, Manchester University Press, Manchester, 1990. x + 229 pp. £27.50. ISBN 0-7190-2906-6.