Homicide as a sociological transaction: The use of victim precipitation at a criminal trial

Abstract

This research examines the role of the sociologist as an expert in cases of homicide. The authors argue that sociological knowledge can be particularly important at trial by presenting an interpretation of the social context of a crime. This point is illustrated by describing several case studies of homicides and by using theories and models supporting victim precipitation as a explanation of the crime. Three interacting constructs of victim precipitation are described in which to frame a homicide: 1) the behavior of the victim as it encouraged the specific offender/victim interaction; 2) the level of deviant or criminal behavior in which the victim was engaged; and 3) the level of risk in the lifestyle of the victim.