MURDER AND THE DEATH PENALTY - A CASE REPORT

• NCJ Number: 26376
• Journal: American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 712-722
• Author(s): B L Diamond
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: American Orthopsychiatric Assoc, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE AUTHOR NOTES THAT THE DEATH PENALTY MAY ACT AS AN INCENTIVE TO HOMICIDE FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO COMMIT 'SUICIDE' BY MEANS OF AN EXECUTION BY THE STATE, AND PRESENTS A CASE HISTORY OF SUCH A PERSON.

Abstract

IN 1959, THE AUTHOR EXAMINED A MAN AT SAN QUENTIN PRISON THE DAY BEFORE HIS EXECUTION. THE AUTHOR REPORTS THAT THIS MAN CLAIMED TO HAVE COMMITTED THREE MURDERS FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF DYING BY LEGAL EXECUTION. THIS PAPER CONTAINS AN OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL HISTORY AND TRIALS OF THIS INDIVIDUAL, AS WELL AS THE RESULTS OF THE AUTHOR'S INTERVIEW AND INFORMATION FROM A PSYCHIATRIC REPORT ON THE INDIVIDUAL.