Changing Characteristics of Homicide in Iceland

Abstract

This paper discusses the changing characteristics of homicide in Iceland. Two periods, 1940–69 and 1970–84, were compared with respect to characteristics of the offender and his or her act. Significant differences emerged on the following variables: The pre-meditated nature of the act, action taken by the offender after the homicide, length of sentence received, and the frequency of alcoholism and drug abuse.