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Patterns of Change Over Time in United States Homicide

NCJ Number
89115
Author(s)
C R Block; L S Miller
Date Published
1982
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Homicide rates in the United States (age-adjusted) generally declined slightly during the 1940's and early 1950's, increased slightly in the late '50's, increased very rapidly during the '60's, and then decreased beginning in the mid-1970's.
Abstract
The homicides include murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, and justifiable homicide. This general pattern can be largely attributed to the pattern of homicide rates of nonwhite victims (age-adjusted). The decline in the homicide rate in the mid-'70's occurred only in the Middle Atlantic and southern areas of the country. Graphs and maps are supplied. (Author summary modified)