Crimes of Passion: A Socio-Psychological Approach

• In Event: When Criminology meets Psychology: Bridging Psychological Perspectives in Criminal Behavior

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the so-called "pure" crimes of passion, that is those in which the perpetrator acts under the influence of a primitive or impulsive reaction of an explosive nature, known as paroxysm of rage. On the other hand, there are the "impure" crimes of passion, where the perpetrator is driven by utilitarian or selfish motives.
The presentation is structured into four distinct sections:
1. Factors Facilitating Crimes of Passion
The first section examines the factors that encourage and facilitate the commission of crimes of passion, particularly the intensity of the perpetrator's emotions and wounded ego in relation to their psychological makeup and the broader historical and social context.
2. The Psychological Path to Crime
The second section analyzes the psychological trajectory of the perpetrator leading up to the crime, following the three stages identified by De Greeff:
(a) Uncertain and ineffective consent, characterized by hesitation and doubts,
(b) Re-evaluation and contestation of the partner’s worth which becomes an obsession, and finally,
(c) Resort to crime, driven by a paroxysm of rage.
3. The Perpetrator’s Behavior After the Crime
The third section explores the perpetrator’s post-crime behavior.
4. Legal and Judicial Treatment of the Perpetrator
The fourth and final section discusses how the legal system addresses crimes of passion, both in legislation and judicial practice. The key legal criterion is "paroxysm of rage" (also referred to as a "state of intense emotional outburst"), which, while classified under intentional homicide, leads to a more lenient penal treatment. In contrast, punishment is significantly harsher for "impure" crimes, which include, for male perpetrators, the crime of femicide.

Author

• Nestor Courakis, University of Nicosia (CYPRUS)