THE PROCESSING OF HOMICIDE CASES WITH CHILD-VICTIMS - SYSTEMIC AND SITUATIONAL CONTINGENCIES

Homicide cases involving child victims evoke great public anger. This study examined the processing of such cases through the criminal justi ce system using interviews with officials of two Texas counties. Conti ngencies affect the process, even in this normatively serious crime, a t two levels. Systemic issues include problems in classifying deaths d ue to varying forensic medical resources, the unexpected philosophical positioning of criminal justice officials, and the use of statutes ot her than homicide. The last is done in pursuit of more severe penaltie s where the evidence might sustain only manslaughter charges. Case-spe cific situational elements include victim-perpetrator relationship, ge nder of the perpetrator, the presence of mental or physical handicaps in the victim, media publicity, the use of discipline as a defense, an d manner of death.