Homicide is the killing of one person by another, usually by violence. While rates of homicide vary widely between cultures, researchers have found that there are certain patterns to who kills whom and why people commit this type of crime.
Several distinct types of homicide exist, each with varying legal implications and penalties. Criminal homicide includes murder and manslaughter, which are categorized by the intent and circumstances surrounding the death. Capital murder, for example, is committed with extreme and cruel means while involuntary manslaughter often results from reckless or negligent actions.
Lawmakers and policymakers often differentiate between intentional and unintentional homicides. However, some academic disciplines, such as criminology and epidemiology, do not make this distinction, treating all homicides as a violent event.
The most serious types of homicide are considered murder, which requires a high degree of planning and premeditation. This may include acquiring a weapon, creating an alibi, or waiting to strike at the most opportune moment. First-degree murder also distinguishes itself by the presence of a clear motive and purpose to kill, which may be based on hatred, vengeance, or other emotional drives.
Many different strategies can be employed to reduce homicide, including strengthening gun control laws, reducing access to firearms for individuals with mental illness, and supporting at-risk youth. In addition, improving homicide detectives’ training and caseloads can help reduce the number of cases that go unsolved. This brief, prepared for CCJ’s Crime Trends Working Group, explores homicide trends in the U.S., including the rise in homicides seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and their subsequent decline.
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