SUICIDE AS MURDER AT COMMON LAW: Another Chapter in the Falsification of Consensus Theory

DENNIS E. HOFFMAN; VINCENT J. WEBB

doi:10.1111/j.1745-9125.1981.tb00423.x

SUICIDE AS MURDER AT COMMON LAW: Another Chapter in the Falsification of Consensus Theory

DENNIS E. HOFFMAN, VINCENT J. WEBB

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11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The debate among advocates of consensus, pluralist. and Marxist views of the origins of criminal law continues to occupy a central position in contemporary theoretical criminology. This article assesses these positions through a historical inquiry into the law‐making and‐enforcing processes surrounding self‐murder or suicide. Historical data on the criminalization and depenalization of suicide indicate that economic and fiscal interests shaped suicide laws, but these laws were unenforceable because of popular resistance. The significance of these findings for criminological theory is that laws generally thought to be based on consensus were instead grounded in conflict and struggle.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	372-384
Number of pages	13
Journal	Criminology
Volume	19
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.1981.tb00423.x
State	Published - Nov 1981
Externally published	Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Law

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SUICIDE AS MURDER AT COMMON LAW: Another Chapter in the Falsification of Consensus Theory

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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