NEW TO THIS EDITION Recent legislative changes and Supreme Court decisions include: heightened concern over mass shootings, hate-motivated homicide and terrorism; new laws, shifting policies, and Supreme Court rulings pertaining to gun rights, juvenile offenders and the death penalty; and advances in surveillance technology, computer-aided investigation, and DNA forensic testing. Up-to-date research and data offers students the latest homicide statistics on patterns and trends in recent years. New illustrative cases cover various forms of homicide, focusing on crimes that drew significant interest from the public and policymakers alike, and provide students with unique insight into violent behavior. Early introduction of theories helps students to understand the definition of homicide and homicide laws before developing a theoretical framework to explain violence. An Instructor Site provides instructors with access to curated content contributed by the text's authors, including links to articles and opinion pieces written by the authors. KEY FEATURES High-profile cases keep students engaged with the content from start to finish. Extensive tables and charts show students how to interpret data and find patterns of homicide. Comprehensive discussions of many types of homicide including domestic and workplace homicide, cult and hate killings, murders committed by juveniles, and serial slayings, help students develop a foundational understanding of homicide. Thorough coverage of the criminal justice system's responses to homicide - including strategies and tactics employed to apprehend, prosecute, and punish killers - encourages students to think critically about deterring and punishing homicide. Discussions of hate-motivated homicide and terrorism offer students insights into the similarities and differences between these types of homicides.