The Will to Kill

The Will to Kill: Making Sense of Senseless Murder, 5th Edition, is a textbook that examines violent crime to educate students rather than sensationalize lethal acts. Early coverage defines homicide and homicide laws to provide a legal baseline before presenting theoretical frameworks that explain violent behavior.

The volume explores diverse homicide categories, including domestic and workplace murders, juvenile offenses, cult and hate killings, and serial slayings. It also evaluates criminal justice responses, detailing the strategies and tactics used to apprehend, prosecute, and punish perpetrators.

Changes for the 2019 edition include updated homicide trends and data, discussions of mass shootings and terrorism, and reviews of Supreme Court rulings on gun rights, juvenile offenders, and the death penalty. An instructor site supplies curated author articles and opinion pieces.