Mujeres Filicidas: Análsis desde una perspectiva psicojurídica / Filicidal women: Analysis from a psycho-legal perspective

Resumen El presente escrito tiene por objetivo, identificar si existe una perspectiva psicojurídica del delito de homicidio de una madre hacia sus hijos (Filicidio) y sus características principales. Se trata de una revisión documental, en la cual se seleccionaron 67 artículos entre los años 2005-2017 en idiomas inglés y español, de bases de datos como; Science Direct, Redalyc, MedLine, PubMed, Scielo. Como resultado de esta revisión no se encontró ningún documento que contenga un enfoque desde la psicología jurídica que aborde este delito. Se propuso clasificar esta conducta punible según dos tipologías en las cuales se tiene en cuenta, la motivación de la agresora y características de la víctima, se consideran varios vacíos en las leyes, lo cual pretende trazar un camino para investigaciones desde esta área, que puedan contribuir a la prevención y mitigación de este tipo de hechos y aportar a futuras políticas publicas

Abstract This paper aims to identify if there is a psycho-juridical perspective of the crime of homicide of a mother towards her children (Filicide) and its main characteristics. It is a documentary review, in which 67 articles were selected between the years 2005-2017 in English and Spanish, databases such as; Science Direct, Redalyc, MedLine, PubMed, Scielo. As a result of this review we did not find any document that contains a legal psychology approach that addresses this crime. It was proposed to classify this punishable conduct according to two typologies in which the motivation of the aggressor and characteristics of the victim are considered, several gaps are considered in the laws, which intends to chart a way for investigations from this area, that can Contribute to the prevention and mitigation of this type of events and contribute to future public politics

Homicide impunity in Brazil between 2006 and 2016 / A impunidade do homicídio no Brasil entre 2006 e 2016

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the level and temporal trends of homicide impunity in Brazil. METHODS This is an ecological study that calculated two impunity indexes by dividing the total number of homicides committed in a 5-year period by the number of individuals arrested for murder (homicide impunity) or any other cause (general impunity) two years after this period. The Prais-Winsten linear regression model with serial autocorrelation correction was used to estimate the temporal trend of the impunity indexes. RESULTS Between 2009 and 2014, 328,714 homicides were recorded in Brazil, but only 84,539 prisoners were serving sentences for this kind of crime in 2016. This shows that the number of homicides in Brazil exceeded in 244,175 the number of individuals in prisons for this crime. The impunity index ranged from 3.9 in 2006 to 3.3 in 2014. All states reached values above 1. Rio de Janeiro stood out negatively, with values above 20. São Paulo, Santa Catarina, and Distrito Federal showed the lowest impunity indexes for homicide, with values below 2. Eight states showed a downward trend in the overall impunity index. CONCLUSIONS Most Brazilian states presented extremely high impunity indexes values. However, from 2010 to 2012, Brazilian society started to effectively combat impunity for serious violent crimes, including homicide. In São Paulo, this positive trend arose in the mid-1990s and that state currently shows impunity indexes values similar to those of developed countries.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever o nível e a tendência temporal da impunidade do homicídio no Brasil. MÉTODOS Trata-se de estudo ecológico no qual dois índices de impunidade foram calculados a partir do número total de homicídios em determinado período, de cinco anos, dividido pelo número de indivíduos na prisão por homicídio (impunidade do homicídio) ou por qualquer causa (impunidade geral) dois anos após o final desse período. O modelo de regressão linear com correção de autocorrelação serial de Prais-Winsten foi utilizado para estimar a tendência temporal dos índices de impunidade. RESULTADOS No Brasil, entre 2009 e 2014, foram identificados 328.714 homicídios, contudo apenas 84.539 presos cumpriam pena por esse tipo de delito em 2016, revelando que houve 244.175 mais casos de homicídio no Brasil do que presos por esse crime. O índice de impunidade do homicídio variou de 3,9, em 2006, a 3,3 em 2014. Todos os estados apresentaram valores acima de 1. O Rio de Janeiro destacou-se negativamente, com valores acima de 20. Os menores índices de impunidade do homicídio foram encontrados nos estados de São Paulo, Santa Catarina e Distrito Federal, com valores abaixo de 2. Oito estados mostraram tendência de redução no índice de impunidade geral. CONCLUSÕES A maioria dos estados brasileiros apresentou valores altíssimos nos índices de impunidade. No entanto, detectamos um sinal positivo de que a sociedade brasileira começou, a partir de 2010-2012, a combater de forma efetiva a impunidade dos crimes violentos graves, incluindo o homicídio. São Paulo iniciou essa tendência positiva em meados dos anos 1990 e apresenta atualmente índices de impunidade similares aos dos países desenvolvidos.

Youth homicide: a study of homicide predictor factors in adolescent offenders in custody in the south of Brazil / Homicídio juvenil: fatores preditores em adolescentes privados de liberdade no sul do Brasil

Abstract Objectives To assess the sociodemographic, psychiatric and criminal profile of adolescent offenders complying with temporary custody for homicide/homicide attempt and to compare it to that of the population of adolescents in custody for other crimes. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on the review of the medical records of 74 juvenile offenders in temporary custody at socioeducational agency Fundação de Atendimento Sócio-Educativo do Rio Grande do Sul. For the analysis, variables that presented p < 0.2 were included in multivariate adjustment through logistic regression. Results The sample comprised males only, mostly with white skin color (55.6 vs. 57.9% for homicidal and non-homicidal, respectively) and with a high prevalence of school failure (77.8 vs. 91.2%). There was a high prevalence of family history of delinquency (88 vs. 81%). Only years of study and belonging or not to a criminal organization remained statistically significant in the multivariate model. Conclusion The results show that having fewer years of study and denying belonging to a criminal organization are predictive factors of homicidal behavior in adolescent offenders (both with statistical relevance). The other variables were not statistically significant for this outcome. The present study may serve as a basis for further research, which may improve our understanding of risk factors for juvenile homicide.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar o perfil sociodemográfico, psiquiátrico e criminal de adolescentes infratores que cumprem internação provisória por homicídio ou tentativa de homicídio e compará-los aos adolescentes privados de liberdade por outros atos infracionais. Métodos Este estudo transversal baseou-se na revisão dos prontuários médicos de 74 adolescentes infratores em internação provisória na Fundação de Atendimento Sócio-Educativo do Rio Grande do Sul. Para a análise, variáveis que apresentaram p <0,2 foram incluídas no ajuste multivariado por meio de regressão logística. Resultados A amostra foi composta apenas por homens, a maioria de pele branca (55,6 versus 57,9% para homicidas e não-homicidas, respectivamente) e com alta prevalência de reprovações escolares (77,8 vs. 91,2%). Houve alta prevalência de antecedentes familiares de delinquência (88 versus 81%). Apenas anos de estudo e pertencimento ou não a uma organização criminosa permaneceram estatisticamente significantes no modelo multivariado. Conclusão Os resultados mostram que ter menos anos de estudo e negar pertencer a uma organização criminosa foram fatores preditivos de comportamento homicida em adolescentes infratores (ambos com relevância estatística). As demais variáveis não foram estatisticamente significativas para esse desfecho. O presente estudo pode servir como base para futuras pesquisas, o que pode melhorar nossa compreensão dos fatores de risco para o homicídio juvenil.

Comportamiento de la criminalidad en Colombia, 2012 / Criminality behavior in Colombia, 2012 / Comportamento da criminalidade na Colômbia, 2012

Se efectúa un análisis estadístico descriptivo frente a los delitos registrados por la Policía Nacional en el territorio colombiano en el año 2012, haciendo una comparación, entre los años 2011 y 2012, de los delitos de mayor impacto social. Se destaca el aumento de la denuncia ciudadana y del conocimiento del delito por parte de las autoridades, que al observarse de manera integral denota un nuevo derrotero frente a la tendencia de un cambio de cultura ciudadano, dentro de un modelo de arraigo y corresponsabilidad. Así, el incremento en el registro estadístico revela una transformación en la relación ciudadano y autoridades, que ha incidido en una mayor afluencia frente a la denuncia, un mayor cubrimiento institucional a nivel nacional respecto a las infracciones a la ley penal, por la potenciación de la capacidad tecnológica, que permitió su registro y atención en tiempo real.

A descriptive statistical analysis is made in the face of offenses recorded throughout the Colombian territory by the National Police in 2012, by means of a comparison of those with greater social impact between 2011 and 2012.The increasing civilian complaints, together with the awareness and taking cognizance of crimes by the authorities, reveal a new course for the citizen culture within the framework of a popular support and co-responsibility model. Thus, the increase seen in the statistical record shows a transformation in the citizen-authority relationship resulting in a greater influx of complaints and a greater institutional coverage nationwide with respect to violations of criminal law through the strengthening of that technological capacity having permitted their recording and attention in real time.

Vai se realizar uma análise estatística descritiva aos crimes registrados pela Polícia Nacional no território colombiano em 2012, fazendo uma comparação, entre anos 2011 e 2012, dos crimes de um impacto social maior. Destaca-se o aumento da denúncia cidadã e do conhecimento do crime do lado das autoridades, e isso ao ser observado de maneira integral denota um novo curso da tendência de uma mudança da cultura cidadã, dentro de um modelo de firmeza e de corresponsabilidade. Assim, o aumento no registro estatístico revela uma transformação na relação do cidadão e as autoridades, que incidiram em uma maior afluência perante a denúncia, um maior cobrimento institutional no nível nacional a respeito das infrações à lei penal, pela potenciação da capacidade tecnológica, que permitiu seu registro e atenção em tempo real.

New regulations on compensation for injury and death in drug trials.

In 2005, the government amended Schedule Y of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules, 1945, to liberalise the conduct of global drug trials in India. Proponents of this policy had asserted that we needed less, and not more, regulation, in order to expand the business of drug trials. Many from the medical profession, the bioethics community and civil society groups have been critical of this policy.

Determine the prevalence and pattern of killings in Quetta, Balochistan

Homicide is defined as Human life slaughter of a human being by the conduct of another human being. This study was conducted to determine the pattern of killing in Quetta. Observational study. All medico-legal autopsy reports conducted in Civil Hospital Quetta, by Department of Forensic Medicine, Bolan Medical College, Quetta, from 1[st] January, 2009 to 31[st] December, 2010 and police in quest reports of the respective cases were studied. All police inquest reports of the respective medico-legal autopsies were also made part of this study. Preformed were used to record Medico-legal case number, date, day and time of arrival of dead body and autopsy, brought by police or relatives cause of death, type of weapon used, type and site of injuries, place of occurrence, mode, manner and cause of death. A total of 200 cases of medico-legal autopsies were studied, out of which 113 were declared as homicidal deaths. The most common weapons used for homicide were Automatic firearm weapons. The most affected age group was 31 to 40 years followed by 21 to 30 years and 11 to 20 years. The cases of homicide in district Quetta are mostly by firearm weapons. Male are affected more than females. The most common age group affected is 31 to 40 years

Analysis of bite mark evidence.

Bite mark analysis casework strives to connect a biter to the teeth pattern present on an object linked in some way to a crime or event. The general public and some law enforcement may consider any “bite mark” case they develop to be a certainty in the quest to identify the biter. The ability of skin to register sufficient detail of a biter’s teeth is highly variable. Bite mark casework indicates that many bite marks are not well defined in detail and posses distortion due to the physical nature of skin itself. The current opinion is that bite mark can be useful in including or excluding possible suspects and ability to identify only one person as the biter. In mortal combat situations, such as the violence associated with life and death struggles between assailants and victims, the teeth are often used as a weapon. It is well known that assailants in sexual attacks, including sexual homicide, rape and child sexual abuse, often bite their victims as an expression of dominance, rage and animalistic behaviour. The teeth are a significant component of our natural arsenal.

Caracterización psiquiátrica del delito de parricidio: [revisión] / Psychiatric characterization of parricide: [review]

In Chile, legally commits parricide the one that, knowing the relationships that binds them, kills his/her father, mother or child, or any other of his/her ascendants or descendants, or spouse or couple. It is a rare crime, being around 4 percent of the homicides. The objective of this review is to characterize parricide psychiatrically, which is done basically using international literature. There are different profiles of parricides depending on the characteristics of the situation in which the crime is committed. The most frequent profile is that of a young male adult, with acute psychotic pathology, associated to drug and alcohol abuse. A second type is represented by adolescents in three situations: the severely abused child, the severely mentally ill child, and the dangerously antisocial child. To kill own children is a form of parricide as well, and there are differences between the psychiatric profiles of neonaticide, infanticide and filicide committers. Femicide is the murder of women committed by men on grounds of gender, and legally constitutes parricide. The most frequent is the intimate femicide, and it is associated with prior violence and drug and alcohol abuse. Parricide, even though it is an infrequent event, it is an important fact between psychiatric patients, being, in consequence, very relevant for the psychiatrist and mental health workers, the knowledge of this issue.

En Chile, legalmente, comete parricidio el que, conociendo las relaciones que los ligan, mate a su padre, madre o hijo, a cualquier otro de sus ascendientes o descendientes o a su cónyuge o conviviente. Es un delito poco frecuente, siendo alrededor del 4 por ciento de los homicidios. El objetivo de esta revisión es caracterizar psiquiátricamente el parricidio, lo que se realiza principalmente en base a la literatura internacional. Se describen distintos perfiles parricidas según las características de la situación en que se comete el crimen. El perfil más frecuente sería el del adulto varón, joven, con patología psicótica descompensada asociada a consumo de drogas y alcohol. Un segundo perfil parricida estaría representado por adolescentes en tres situaciones: el joven gravemente maltratado, el joven gravemente enfermo mental, y el joven peligrosamente antisocial. Dar muerte a los hijos es también una forma de parricidio y existirían diferencias en los perfiles psiquiátricos de los hechores de neonaticidio, infanticidio, y filicidio. El femicidio es el homicidio cometido por hombres en contra de mujeres por razones de género, y legalmente constituye parricidio. El más frecuente es el femicidio íntimo, y estaría asociado a violencia previa y abuso de alcohol y drogas. El delito de parricidio, aunque sea de baja frecuencia en la población general, es un hecho relativamente mayor entre los pacientes psiquiátricos, siendo para el médico psiquiatra y los trabajadores de la salud mental de suma relevancia el conocimiento de este tema.

Homicide and impunity: an ecological analysis at state level in Brazil / Homicídio e impunidade: análise ecológica em nível de estado no Brasil / Homicidio e impunidad: análisis ecológico a nivel de estado en Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To assess a new impunity index and variables that have been found to predict variation in homicide rates in other geographical levels as predictive of state-level homicide rates in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional ecological study. Data from the mortality information system relating to the 27 Brazilian states for the years 1996 to 2005 were analyzed. The outcome variables were taken to be homicide victim rates in 2005, for the entire population and for men aged 20-29 years. Measurements of economic and social development, economic inequality, demographic structure and life expectancy were analyzed as predictors. An "impunity index", calculated as the total number of homicides between 1996 and 2005 divided by the number of individuals in prison in 2007, was constructed. The data were analyzed by means of simple linear regression and negative binomial regression. RESULTS: In 2005, state-level crude total homicide rates ranged from 11 to 51 per 100,000; for young men, they ranged from 39 to 241. The impunity index ranged from 0.4 to 3.5 and was the most important predictor of this variability. From negative binomial regression, it was estimated that the homicide victim rate among young males increased by 50 percent for every increase of one point in this ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Classic predictive factors were not associated with homicides in this analysis of state-level variation in Brazil. However, the impunity index indicated that the greater the impunity, the higher the homicide rate.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar um novo índice de impunidade e variáveis que predizem variação em taxas de homicídio em outros níveis geográficos como preditivos das taxas de homicídio no nível de estados no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico transversal. Foram analisados dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade referentes aos 27 estados brasileiros no período de 1996 a 2005. Foram consideradas variáveis de desfecho taxas de vitimização por homicídio em 2005 para a população inteira e para homens de 20-29 anos. Foram analisados como preditores medidas de desenvolvimento econômico e social, desigualdade econômica, estrutura demográfica e expectativa de vida. Foi construído um índice de impunidade calculado pelo número total de homicídios entre 1996-2005 dividido pelo número de pessoas na prisão em 2007. Os dados foram analisados empregando-se regressão linear simples e regressão binomial negativa. RESULTADOS: Em 2005, taxas brutas de homicídio em nível de estado variaram de 11 a 51 por 100.000 e aquelas para homens jovens de 39 a 241. O índice de impunidade variou entre 0,4 e 3,5, sendo o preditor mais importante dessa variabilidade. Na regressão binomial negativa, estimou-se aumento de 50 por cento na taxa de homicídio em homens jovens para cada aumento de um ponto nessa razão. CONCLUSÕES: Preditores clássicos não estavam associados com a variação nas taxas de homicídio nessa análise em nível estadual no Brasil. Entretanto, o índice de impunidade indicou que quanto maior a impunidade, maior a taxa de homicídio.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar un nuevo índice de impunidad y variables que predicen variación en tasas de homicidio en otros niveles geográficos como predictivos de las tasas de homicidio a nivel de estados en Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudio ecológico transversal. Fueron analizados datos del Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad referentes a los 27 estados brasileros en el período de 1996 a 2005. Fueron consideradas variables de resultado de tasas de victimización por homicidio en 2005, para la población entera y para hombres de 20-29 años. Fueron analizados como predoctores medidas de desarrollo económico y social, desigualdad económica, estructura demográfica y expectativa de vida. Fue elaborado un índice de impunidad calculado por el número total de homicidios entre 1996-2005 dividido por el número de personas en la prisión en 2007. Los datos fueron analizados empleándose regresión linear simple y regresión binomial negativa. RESULTADOS: En 2005, tasas brutas de homicidio a nivel de estado variaron de 11 a 51 por 100.000 y aquellas para hombres jóvenes de 39 a 241. El índice de impunidad varió entre 0,4 y 3,5, siendo el predictivo más importante de esta variable. En la regresión binomial negativa, se estimó aumento de 50 por ciento en la tasa de homicidio en hombres jóvenes para cada aumento de un punto en esta relación. CONCLUSIONES: Predictivos clásicos no estaban asociados con la variación en las tasas de homicidio en este análisis a nivel estatal en Brasil. Mientras tanto, el índice de impunidad indicó que cuanto mayor era la impunidad, mayor era la tasa de homicidio.

Jóvenes homicidas: estudio de rasgos distintivos con jóvenes que han cometido otro tipo de delitos en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Young killers: study of distinctive features with youth that have committed other crimes in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

La violencia, en sus diferentes formas, constituye un problema social que convoca a enfoques multidisciplinarios en acciones tendientes a su prevención. Entre los conocimientos necesarios para orientar a las políticas preventivas se destacan los factores de riesgo y los factores protectores de las conductas violentas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo contribuir, desde la perspectiva psiquiátrica, a la exploración de factores influyentes en las conductas homicida de adolescentes. Se estudió un grupo de casos (n = 15) de jóvenes homicidas y un grupo control (n = 35) de menores que cometieron otros tipos de delitos (robo simple o calificado o violación), todos ellos jóvenes institucionalizados por orden judicial en la ciudad de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. En ambos grupos se evaluaron características sociodemográficas, criminológicas y psicosociales a través de cuestionario ad hoc, así como variables clínico-psiquiátricas por medio del MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que los múltiples factores estudiados no se asociaron significativamente con la condición de ser joven homicida. Los hallazgos orientan a sostener que, en esta población de jóvenes vulnerables, la conducta homicida depende más de las circunstancias que de peculiaridades personales. Los autores sugieren que las acciones preventivas en adolescentes con estos factores de riesgo podrían tener efecto tanto en las conductas delictivas en general, como en la conducta homicida en particular.

The violence in its different forms, is a social problem that calls for multidisciplinary approaches in actions aimed at prevention. Among the skills needed to guide preventive policies, the highlights are risk and protective factors for violent behavior. This study aims to contribute, from the psychiatric perspective, in exploring factors influencing the behavior of homicidal adolescents. We studied a group of cases (n = 15) of young killers and a control group (n = 35) of juveniles who committed other crimes (simple or qualified theft or rape), all of them institutionalized by court order in La Plata city, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In both groups were evaluated sociodemographic, criminological and psychosocial characteristics through ad hoc questionnaire, as well as psychiatric clinical variables through the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). The results showed that the multiple factors studied were not significantly associated with the condition of being young murderer.The findings aim to sustain that, in this vulnerable population of youth, homicidal behavior depends more on the circumstances than of personal peculiarities. The authors suggest that preventive actions in adolescents with these risk factors could have an effect on criminal behavior in general, as in homicidal behavior in particular.

Medicolegal aspect of burn victims: a ten years study

To see the prevalence and nature of medico-legal burns among patients. It is a retrospective observational study conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from April 1999 to April 2008. All patients of more then ten years of age, irrespective of sex with burn injuries were included in the study. One hundred seventy eight patients were studied and among them one hundred forty six [82.02%] were accidental burns with more prevalence among females [81.50%]. Twenty three [12.92%] patients were having homicidal burns and all were females while nine [5.06%] patients sustained suicidal burns and among them six [66.66%] were females. Majority of patients i.e. one hundred six were from 2nd and 3rd decade of life. Among homicidal injuries twenty one [65.62%] were from flame and two [6.26%] from acid. All suicidal patients sustained flame burns. Females are more commonly involved [66.66%] as compared to males [33.34%]. Homicidal and suicidal burns are not uncommon especially among young women [i.e. 15 to 30 years of age] and every case should not be taken as accident until proved otherwise. A clinical forensic expert or concerned authorities should evaluate all these cases to minimise the likelihood of inaccurate diagnosis

Trajetória de vítimas da violência: dor e solidariedade entre mães de uma associação do Espírito Santo / Trayectoria de victimas de la violencia: dolor y solidariedad entre madres de una asociación de Espírito Santo (Brasil) / Endurance of victims of violence: pain and solidarity among mothers in an association of the state of Espírito Santo

O sistema de justiça brasileiro tem se caracterizado, entre outros aspectos, pela morosidade, burocracia na resolução de processos e parcialidade no trato com a população. Tais fatos, associados ao aumento da violência urbana têm incentivado o sentimento de descrença no sistema de justiça por parte da população, corroborando práticas de justiçamento particular. Este trabalho se propõe a apresentar a trajetória de mães que perderam seus filhosassassinados, desde o momento do crime até a inclusão e participação na Associação de Mães e Familiares de Vítimas da Violência do Espírito Santo. Os resultados revelam que a morte dos filhos por assassinato remete às representações sociais de maternidade do grupo pesquisado, em que a reparação ao dano causado pressupõe a vingança pessoal, também incentivada pelo descrédito no sistema de justiça. Esta é abstraída do plano das ações concretas, sendo que a responsabilidade por sua efetivação é transferida a um legislador absoluto, Deus.

The Brazilian justice system has been characterized, among other aspects, by its slowness, the bureaucracy involved in the solution of cases, and partiality when dealing with the population. Such aspects, together with the increase of urban violence, have sowed in the population a feeling of disbelief in the judicial system and encouraged practices of private justice. This study aims to present the endurance of mothers of murdered children from the moment of the crime until their inclusion and participation in the Association of Mothers and Relatives of Victims of Violence of the state of Espírito Santo. The results reveal that a child’s death by murder involves the social representations of motherhood of the researched group, in which the repair of the damage caused presupposes personal revenge, a feeling which also arises from the lack of trust in the judicial system. Justice is removed from the level of concrete measures and the responsibility for its actualization is transferred to an absolute legislator, God.

El sistema de justicia brasileño se ha caracterizado, entre otros aspectos, por la morosidad, burocracia en la resolución de procesos y parcialidad en el tratamiento con la población. Tales hechos, asociados al incremento de la violencia urbana, han impulsado en el pueblo el sentimiento de pierda de credibilidad en el sistema de justicia, y corroborado prácticas de aplicación individual de la justicia. El presente trabajo se propone presentar la trayectoria de madres que han perdido a sus hijos, asesinados, desde el momento del crímen hasta su inclusión y participación en la Asociación de Madres y Familiares de Víctimas de la Violencia en Espírito Santo. Los resultados muestran que la muerte de los hijos por asesinato remite a las representaciones sociales de maternidad del grupo investigado, en que el desagravio por el daño causado presupone la venganza personal, también impulsado por la falta de credibilidad en el sistema de justicia. Ésta se abstrae del plan de acciones concretas, y la responsabilidad por su eficacia se transfiere a un legislador absoluto - Dios.

Medico legal diagnosis & pattern of injuries with sharp weapons.

Out of one hundred cases examined in GGS Medical College Faridkot during the period from July 2006 to September 2007 who sustained injuries with sharp weapons, majority (58%) were in the age group of 21-40 years, males (92%) with simple injuries (80%) and with light sharp weapons. Upper limbs were the parts of body with injuries in majority (47%) of cases followed by head (17%) and mixed type (14%).Nature of injury was homicidal in 60% cases followed by 34% cases with fabricated or strongly suspected fabricated injuries. This is a retrospective study to document pattern of injuries with medico-legal diagnosis to ascertain the type of injuries in the disbursement of justice.

Homicides by sharp weapons.

In the present society, which is gradually becoming over democratic it is natural that old values of sanctity of life changes and personality problems develop due to consequent stress of life. This ultimately results in violence. Killing of a human being is one of the most serious or major crimes. Since very long time, different judicial authority to prevent crime and its further occurrence framed laws. The laws were made according to the religious make up of the society but later the laws were according to the emperor’s own convenience. In spite of all these, there has been a phenomenal rise in the incidence of homicide all over the world and also in India. The study was conducted on 200 alleged cases of homicides. The incidence of homicidal deaths was observed as 13.03% with male preponderance and the commonest age affected was 21 to 40 yrs. Out of different weapons used to inflict the injuries on dead bodies of homicides, 31(10.88%) sharp cutting weapons were used. Incised wounds were present maximum 38(29.69%) on head and face. Defence wounds were present in 72(36%) of homicide deaths.

DNA test--a forensic boon.

DNA fingerprinting (DNAFP) profiles can be applied to identify an individual in criminal as well as in civil cases. The main advantage of the technique is its ability to analyse small and environmentally challenged samples and to accurately establish their origins with a high degree of certainty: DNAFP can identify an individual in criminal and civil cases eg, rape, kidnapping, assassination and so on. The forensic DNA analysis can be stored in a data bank. It can help in crime prevention by giving the information of potential criminals. Reliability of DNA technique is very important. In paternity and maternity identification, when called for, DNA testing plays very much positive role.