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Justice not blind to gender bias

A study by Arizona State University found that gender bias influences how people perceive an attorney's effectiveness when delivering a closing argument, particularly for women. The research suggests that showing traditionally male characteristics in court can lead to negative perceptions of female attorneys.

SourceArizona State University·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateJun 25, 2018

New study opens case on emotional stress of senior police investigators in child homicide

A new study reveals that senior police investigators experience different cognitive and emotional stressors when investigating child homicide compared to adult homicide. The research found that a significant period of reflection is needed after the investigation has ended to realize the true extent of the effects on investigators.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Police and Criminal Psychology·DateMay 19, 2017

Follow-up study suggests group meditation reduced murder rates in large US cities

A recent study found that group meditation using the Transcendental Meditation program significantly reduced urban murder rates in large US cities, with an estimated 4,136 murders averted between 2007-2010. The reductions were consistent with the hypothesis that a sufficiently large group practice creates a positive effect on society.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalJournal of Health and Environmental Research·DateMar 30, 2017

Eric Garner video shapes New Yorkers' support for police accountability: Study

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School found that 71% of New York State voters supported indicting police officers involved in the 2014 Eric Garner arrest after watching the video. This increase in support was attributed to the physical force used on Garner being a key factor in respondents' opinions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Social Service Research·DateOct 31, 2016

New data from national violent death reporting system shed light on law enforcement officer deaths, their use of lethal force

A new study using NVDRS data reveals 21% of law enforcement officers were killed during ambushes, with 90% homicides committed with firearms. The study also found a disproportionate number of black victims were unarmed, and fatality rates among military veterans/active duty service members were 1.4 times greater than civilians.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 13, 2016

Harsh out of necessity

In a study, MS patients showed more severe moral judgments than average, even in neutral conditions, attributing negative emotions to external causes. This 'externally oriented thinking' helps them minimize damage but also leads to an inability to reflect on emotions and identify real causes of their negative emotional state.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalSocial Neuroscience·DateApr 28, 2016

Child homicide -- speaking of the unspeakable

Research suggests that child homicide is responsible for approximately 1% of all neonatal deaths in South Africa. The majority of these deaths occur among infants aged 0-6 days, with abandonment being the most common method of homicide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2016

Exposure to violence during pregnancy increases risk of prematurity and low birthweight

Exposure to violence during pregnancy may increase the risk of prematurity and low birthweight. A recent study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Leicester found that mothers exposed to homicides had newborns with lower birthweights and higher rates of prematurity, particularly in the first trimester.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateApr 18, 2016

Mexico's murder rate led to decrease in men's average life expectancy in first decade

A new study from UCLA Health Sciences reveals that Mexico's homicide rate has taken a devastating toll on men's life expectancy, with life expectancy among men ages 15-50 falling by 0.6 percent between 2005 and 2010. The murder rate in Central America and Mexico more than doubled during the same period, leading to increased mortality r...

Genetic defense for violent crimes could backfire for defendants

New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 21, 2015

Can science predict gang killings?

A Michigan State University study found that gang-related homicides spread in a systematic pattern, clustering in vulnerable areas like Newark, New Jersey. The researchers' analysis could help predict future hotspots of violent crime, informing prevention efforts and targeting resources to communities at risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 13, 2015

Lethal wounds on skull may indicate 430,000-year-old murder

A nearly complete skull from the Sima de los Huesos cave site in northern Spain shows two penetrating lesions that may indicate an act of lethal interpersonal aggression around 430,000 years ago. The injuries are unlikely to be caused by a fall and suggest early evidence of funerary behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2015

Statistical analysis reveals Mexican drug war increased homicide rates

A new statistical analysis reveals that the Mexican government's war against drugs increased the average murder rate in regions subjected to military-style interventions. The study found an average increase of nearly 11 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants across 18 affected regions, with some experiencing a significant reduction and othe...

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalThe American Statistician·DateApr 2, 2015

Police not prepared for death investigations

Research by Queensland University of Technology highlights the difficulties faced by police during death investigations, including emotional re-traumatization of bereaved families. Junior officers are often tasked with gathering evidence while comforting family members, leading to concerns about their preparation and cultural competence.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPolicing & Society·DateMar 15, 2015