Rational-choice theory looks at all forms of human behavior or evidence of the actor s conscious or unconscious weighing of costs versus benefits. Strategic crimes are defined as extortion, kidnapping, and blackmail. These crimes are called this because the violent act is one move in a complex game played by the criminal, the victim, and law enforcement agencies. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Manslaughter is unlawful homicide without malice aforethought.
Most murders occur during a quarrel between two people who know each other well.
Many homicides are alcohol-related. The mentally ill commit murder at the same rate as the general population and serial killers are almost always psychotic. Assault is a threat or attempt to injure. Robbery may be defined as taking another person s property by intimidation. Forcible rape is the act of forcing sexual intercourse on another person against his or her will.