Snapped: why do some women kill?
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Authors
Croskey, Faith
Issue Date
2014
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
In the United States judicial system, the defense of “Snapped” is becoming a common occurrence during interrogations involving female homicide suspects. Although it happens very infrequently, when women kill, their motives for killing can be quite different from their male counterparts. In a 2009 study conducted by the U.S. Justice Department, 1 out of every 10 murders are committed by women. Several studies have been conducted in efforts to determine why women kill. In this thesis, previously published methods and statistics will be used, allowing for additional examination into the issue of ”Why Women Kill”. It has been learned that approximately 10% of every 100 homicides are committed by women. The question is, do they really SNAP? This question was applied to a study and used to determine whether women truly SNAP or is this just a defense ploy. A study was conducted via random samples to determine if jurors really believe in the snapped defense allowing for acquittals or lesser charges being assessed. The result of the study suggests that it is believed that some women truly do snap, but for very different reasons and not to the extent that is claimed by some. Therefore, the Snapped phenomenon may not be the only reason why women kill.