Question 1

This is sometimes referred to as "no fault" homicide, and usually involves the killing of someone out of necessity or duty.

Accepted Answer

Justifiable homicide is the term used to describe a killing that is not considered a criminal act because it was necessary to protect oneself or others, or as part of the person's duties (such as a police officer using lethal force to stop a threat). It is also sometimes referred to as "no fault" homicide.

Question 2

Technology, specifically _____, became a critical factor in convicting Wayne Williams.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Technology, specifically _____, became a critical factor...

Question 3

Which of the following serial killers was convicted of the most murders in the history of the United States?

Accepted Answer

Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, was convicted of 49 murders in Washington state between 1982 and 1998, making him the most prolific convicted murderer in U.S. history. While other serial killers on the list may have been responsible for more deaths overall, such as Ted Bundy, who was linked to at least 30 murders, Ridgway's confirmed convictions give him the highest number on record.

Question 4

In California, the average length of time for an appeals process to be completed is _____.

Accepted Answer

The average length of time for an appeals process to be completed in California is over 16 years, reflecting the extensive legal procedures and backlog in the court system.

Question 5

Which of the following categories by Holmes and Deburger would be most likely to have offenders who suffer from some type of psychosis?

Accepted Answer

The visionary category is characterized by offenders who usually suffer from some kind of psychosis or hallucinations. They may perceive voices or visions that command them to commit crimes, and they usually believe that their actions are justified or necessary in some way. Therefore, offenders in this category are most likely to have some type of psychosis.

Question 6

Insanity is a _____.Very few offenders (2 percent-4 percent) are legally insane.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Insanity is a _____.Very few offenders (2...

Question 7

Perhaps the single most critical stumbling block that currently stands in the way of understanding serial murder is the disagreement among researchers and law enforcement personnel about _____.

Accepted Answer

The question specifically refers to the "disagreement among researchers and law enforcement personnel," and the only option that addresses this disagreement is B, which is the definition of serial murder. The other options do not pertain to this disagreement.

Question 8

The Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, in response to a detective asking him to rank himself on a scale of 1-5, with 5 "being the worst possible evil person that could have done this kind of thing," viewed himself as a _____.

Accepted Answer

Ridgway rationalized his actions by claiming he killed his victims quickly and did not torture them, which he believed made him less evil.

Question 9

From a judicial point of view, the most serious of murders are those that are capital cases involving _____, or the willful, intentional killing of another person(s).

Accepted Answer

Premeditated murder refers to the intentional and willful killing of another person(s) with prior planning or contemplation. This is the most serious type of murder and is often classified as a capital offense, which can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment. Serial murder involves the killing of multiple victims over an extended period of time and is also a serious offense, but may not always be classified as a capital case. Unmeditated murder, also known as heat-of-passion or voluntary manslaughter, involves the killing of another person(s) in the spur of the moment, often in response to provocation or emotional distress. Mediated murder, on the other hand, involves the use of a third party, such as a hitman, to carry out the killing.

Question 10

All mass murderers are motivated by similar circumstances.

Accepted Answer

Mass murderers have a variety of motivations, including revenge, perceived injustices, mental illness, or a desire for power/control. Each case is unique and cannot be categorized under one set of circumstances.

Question 11

_____, in which several victims are killed within a few moments or hours, seem to be occurring with greater frequency.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____, in which several victims are killed...

Question 12

Law enforcement officials have been dealing with serial murder for only a few years.

Accepted Answer

Law enforcement officials have been dealing with serial murder for centuries, with cases dating back to at least the 19th century. However, the concept of a serial killer and the methods used to track and capture them have evolved over time.

Question 13

John is robbing Radio Shack with his partner Eric.Eric becomes impatient with the store owner and waves his gun, which goes off accidentally.The bullet ricochets off a metal table and strikes John, killing him.What crime has Eric committed?

Accepted Answer

Eric committed felony murder because he was in the act of committing a felony (robbery) when the accidental killing occurred. Even though he did not intend to kill John, his actions during the commission of the felony led to John's death.

Question 14

What is the killing of a newborn within the first 24 hours of life called?

Accepted Answer

The killing of a newborn within the first 24 hours of life is called neonaticide. Infanticide refers to the killing of an infant under the age of one, prolicide refers to the killing of one's own offspring, and parricide refers to the killing of a parent or close relative.

Question 15

Hickey, in noting the degree of mobility exercised by offenders, has delineated three distinct groups of offenders: traveling serial killers, local serial killers, and serial killers who never leave their homes or places of employment.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately summarizes Hickey's categorization of serial killers based on their degree of mobility.

Question 16

All serial killers are psychopaths.

Accepted Answer

While many serial killers may exhibit traits of psychopathy, not all of them meet the diagnostic criteria for psychopathy. Additionally, there are other personality disorders that may lead to violent behavior.

Question 17

According to Holmes and Holmes, an institutional mass murderer commits mass murder as a crime of obedience when ordered to by his or her leader.

Accepted Answer

Holmes and Holmes define an institutional mass murderer as someone who carries out mass murder as a crime of obedience to their leader or institution.

Question 18

Where was the Southside Slayer from?

Accepted Answer

The Southside Slayer was a serial killer active in the Southside region of Los Angeles, California in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Quiz 1: Introduction