Crime Classification Manual Part I Chapter 4 25

 

Crime Classification Manual Part I Chapter 4 25

A STANDARD SYSTEM FOR INVESTIGATING AND CLASSIFYING VIOLENT CRIMES

SECOND EDITION

John E. Douglas, Ann W. Burgess, Allen G. Burgess, and Robert K. Ressler, Editors

 

Defining the Depravity Standard Items: Implications for Investigators

Items of the Depravity Standard have been carefully defined in order to in- spire evidence-based determinations of whether an item is present. What denotes, for example, “actions that cause grotesque suffering”? Given the ramifications of a jury finding that such actions were a feature of the crime, determination of this item must be evidence driven. In order to reduce risk of arbitrariness in decision making, description of this and all other items must ensure consistent examination in court cases everywhere. A description of the item “actions that cause unusual quality of suffering” is seen in Exhibit 4.1.