dissertation ideas on serial killers

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The Making of a Serial Killer: A literature study into the effects of Cognitive, Biological and Social psychological factors in serial killing.

2019, Bucks New University

Although serial killing was only defined in 1988, there is still more research to be conducted into the causes of this phenomena. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to look into potential causes of serial killing, with emphasis on social, biological and cognitive psychology. A plethora of literature and various case studies of incarcerated serial killers have been used to support or debunk the theories explored. Serial murderer is classified as the murder of 3 or more victims by the same offender, over multiple locations with the presence of a cooling off period (Ressler et al, 1988). Definitional problems with defining serial murder has led to confusion when classifying murder and therefore its causes. Social psychology explores the nurture side of the ‘nature vs nurture’ debate, with emphasis on childhood trauma, re-enactment and self-evaluation. Biological psychology explores the nature side of the debate, with emphasis on chromosomal abnormalities, a biological predisposition for crime and other biological functions. Cognitive psychology explores how brain dysfunctions can lead to serial murder, with emphasis on head injury causing frontal lobe damage. Lastly, personality disorders are explored in relation to social, biological and cognitive psychology and how they link to serial killing. After reviewing the evidence, it is reasonable to suggest that there is not one singular cause of serial killing, rather a variety of social, biological and cognitive factors and that can cause someone to be susceptible or expedite the process of becoming a serial killer.

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Conducting systematic research on serial homicide is complicated by variations in definition, sample size, data sources and collection procedures. This review will identify the challenges of utilizing data to study serial homicide and propose new methods to address these limitations. Almost three decades ago, Kiger (1990) highlighted the limitations of employing then existing data to study the social problem of serial murder and called for the creation of new sources to allow for quantitative assessments that used empirical data. In response, serial homicide researchers – previously operating in ‘information silos’ – contributed information to the ‘Serial Homicide Expertise and Information Sharing Collaborative’ to build a comprehensive record of serial homicide offending in partnership with the ‘Radford/FGCU Serial Killer Database Project’. Providing serial homicide data in an open access format empowers users to increase data reliability by interacting with the information to supply edits and corrections. Statistical evidence generated from the data enables analysts to disprove ingrained myths and stereotypes about serial murderers using valid data. Impaneled experts applied the Modified Delphi Technique and proposed adopting the broad term ‘multiple-event murderer’ to counter some institutionalized definitional differences. The exploration of creating a dashboard to track instances of serial homicide alongside further study of serial offenders committing revenge murders, witness elimination and robbery homicides, organized crime, contract and gang killings is recommended.

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108 Serial Killer Essay Topics & Examples

🔝 top-10 serial killer research paper topics, 🏆 best serial killer topics & essay examples, 🎓 good serial killer research topics, ⭐ argumentative essay topics about serial killers, ❓ research questions about serial killers.

• What is the nature of serial killers?
• Criminal profiling of John Wayne Gacy.
• Popular culture: true crime documentaries.
• The mind of H.H. Holmes.
• Psychological research of serial killers.
• Nature vs. nurture: are serial killers born or made?
• Cold cases: The Zodiac Killer.
• The story of Ted Bundy.
• Serial killers and forensic science.
• Psychology and sociology of Jeffrey Dahmer.
• Frankston Serial Killer: Background, Crimes, and Motives At the time, the police noted that Denyer was with his girlfriend. The letter claimed that Denyer knows his whereabouts, and that he was planning to break out of prison to kill him.
• The Psychology of Serial Killers These are just a fraction of questions that require answers in order to have a complete understanding of the psychology of serial killers.
• Richard Angelo: A Serial Killer and His Ethical Dilemma The convicted claimed he made the injections to cause crises to be able to revive patients and become a hero in front of his colleagues.
• Jeffrey Dahmer: Serial Killer At the center of the legal debate was the interpretation of insanity, and how it could be utilized to absolve a criminal. George Palermo, a psychiatrist, made the conclusion that Dahmer was not insane.Dr.
• Arthur Shawcross and His Serial Killer’s Behavior Although most of his victims were killed in the late 1980s, his case still evokes a lot of debate since he is considered to be one of the most demonstrative examples of prisoners who were […]
• Serial Killers: Tommy Lynn Sells It is believed that in October of the same year he killed a 13-year-old girl in Missouri and moved to Texas.
• Serial Killers and Their Social Construction Social construction of serial killers has become the subject of various studies, and it is recognized today that the social position, social interactions, and perceived social image may play a significant role in the process […]
• Criminal Profiling of Serial Killers Ted Bundy was one of the most famous serial killers of the 20th century. These are the types of serial killers that will target gays, minorities, and prostitutes.
• Edmund Kemper: The Serial Killer Kemper committed most of the murders in one year and confessed to his crimes only after he killed his mother. However, in a short time, Kemper decides to stop and report on his crimes to […]
• Serial Killer Psychology: Eileen Wuornos Eileen was a woman without remorse as she was not bothered by the death of her victims. It is said that her intention was to capture the attention of the man she was dating.
• Ted Bundy, an American Serial Killer He was part of the team that worked in the campaign of the Republican governor of Washington, who later rewarded him with a recommendation letter.
• Ted Bundy, a Serial Killer and Psychopath The same was said about Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in the criminal history of the United States.
• J. Dahmer as a Sexually-Motivated Serial Killer The paper at hand is devoted to the investigation of the life, personality, and criminal behavior of one of the most notorious American serial killers of 1980s-1990s, Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer.
• Aileen Wuornos: The Serial Killer After four years since the birth of Aileen, her mother abandoned the family, leaving the girl and her brother with their maternal grandparents, whom the girl considered her birth parents.
• American Serial Killer Joseph Paul Franklin’s Crimes The reason for changing his name as because he wanted to join the Rhodesian Army and due to his criminal background, he was forced to change the name. The couple were killed and Franklin confessed […]
• Aileen Wuornos: Anatomy of a Female Serial Killer Moreover, feminist scholarship has recently begun to examine serial murder as “sexual terrorism” or as a perpetuation of gynocide, the systematic crippling, raping and/or killing of women by men.
• Serial Killers: Law Enforcement Response to Serial Killing The law enforcement agencies such as the FBI maintain that there are several serial killers in the United States and they are expected to increase and hit an epidemic proportion with many people losing their […]
• Charles Manson: Serial Killer Profile One of the first crimes that he committed was connected to a stolen car that Manson took to have some fun and visit his relatives.
• Albert Fish – the Serial Killer Fish’s mother, forced to look for another source of livelihood due to her inability to take care of her son following the death of his father, took him to Saint John’s orphanage in Washington.
• The Crimes of Charles Manson, Serial Killer Even though his people did it himself, he was not involved in this, and the organization of a particular group of people is not in itself an immoral act but is prohibited in some places.
• Serial Killer Profiling Dimensions In order to better understand their practices and attempt to put a stop to their actions prematurely, there was a need for proper classification and consequent analysis.
• Serial Killers in Modern American Society Based on the above-stated arguments, this paper forms research for evidence from some of the serial killers in modern American society and various tactics utilized by the investigative departments to determine and differentiate between serial […]
• Principles of Justice: Serial Killers and Rapers On the same note, Ernest van de Haag mentions the use of principals relating to the utilitarian perspective where the law would be lenient and work for the greater good of people as a whole […]
• Serial Killer Imagery: “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates The present paper argues that whereas Arnold Friend is portrayed by Oates as a “superhuman” copy of Carl Schmid, the murderer, and the situation with Connie is partially sketched from the case of Alleen Rowe, […]
• Serial Killers, Their Crimes, and Stereotypes The other serial killers presented in the killers list also conform to the stereotypes presented in Fox’s and Levin’s article. Most of the killers also rape, mutilate, and degrade their victims in order to feel […]
• A Study on Serial Killers: “Encounter and death: The Spatial Behavior of U.S. Serial Killers” From an analysis, of the article, it is evident that the research focuses on the geographical locations that surround the killings; the location of the first meeting between the serial killers and their victims, the […]
• Serial Killers: Women and Men Comparison Most of the time, crimes of men serial killers are heard regularly as they are more horrible than that of women serial killers. The physical counting of the men serial killers victims is very high […]
• Serial Killer “Theodore Robert “Ted” Bundy” As much as the psychiatrists related his problems to mental disturbances, this was not a major issue that determined the outcome of the cases.
• A Serial Killer: Typology and Abnormal Psychological Gratification
• Luis Garavito: The World’s Worst Serial Killer
• Existentialism: Serial Killer and Right Things
• Charles Cullen: Healthcare Serial Killer
• Israel Keyes: The Reluctant Serial Killer
• Countess Elizabeth Bathory: Serial Killer
• Arousal Theory and the Serial Killer Jeffery Dahmer
• The Dangerous Mind of a Serial Killer
• Clifford Olson: Canadian Serial Killer
• The Development of Serial Killers: A Grounded
• Exploring the Life and Possible Motives of Serial Killer
• How Edward Theodore Gain Became a Serial Killer
• Blood Loss, the Decline of the Serial Killer
• Sociological Theories: Rationalization and Motivation of the Serial Killer
• Serial Killer Era: So Many Murders in 1970 – 2000
• Famous Serial Killer: Jack the Ripper
• Defining the Factors That Contribute to Serial Killer’s Identity
• Deadly Motives: The Hedonistic Drive of Serial Murder
• Details of a Typical Female Serial Killer
• Profiling Art and Australian Serial Killer Ivan Milat
• Brilliant Serial Killer Jack the Ripper
• America’s First Serial Killer
• Serial Killer and Racism: African-Americans and Serial Killing in the Media
• Life and Death of a Serial Killer: Are Serial Killer Born or Created?
• Serial Killer: Erikson’s Theory-Based Analysis of the Behavior of Robert William Pickton
• Differential Association Theory and Serial Killer
• Aileen Wuornos America’s First Female Serial Killer
• Mary Bell Was Britain’s Youngest Serial Killer
• Criminal Shadows: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
• America’s Sweetest Serial Killer – Sugar
• Unique Characteristics of a Serial Killer
• American Serial Killer: Albert Fish
• Serial Killer: The Mechanism From Imagination to the Murder
• Critical Theories: Crime Ted Bundy Serial Killer
• The Uncatchable Serial Killer: No Motive, No Victim Profile
• Serial Killers: Death and Life in America’s Wound Culture
• The Life of a Serial Killer: Edmund Emil Kemper Lii
• Criminal Justice: The Criminology Behind Serial Killers
• Canadian Serial Killer: Robert Pickton
• What Are Serial Killers?
• Are Serial Killers Born Psychopaths or Pushed to That Limit?
• What Causes Serial Killers to Kill?
• How Do Serial Killers Get Attention?
• What Makes Serial Killers Kill?
• Why Are the People Interested in Serial Killers?
• What Is the Nature of Serial Killers?
• How Do Juveniles Become Serial Killers?
• What Is in the Mind of Serial Killer?
• How to Cure a Serial Killer?
• What Steps Are Taken by the Country to Control Serial Killers?
• Where Did the Term “Serial Killer” Come From?
• What Are the Main Objectives of a Serial Killer?
• Is It Possible to Diagnose a Would-Be Serial Killer?
• What Are the Common Types of Serial Killers?
• How Does a Serial Killer Differ From a Maniac?
• What Lies Behind a Serial Killer’s Signature?
• Are There Naturally Born Serial Killers?
• What Makes a Serial Killer Tick?
• Are There Death Penalty Alternatives for Serial Killers?
• What Makes a Serial Killer Do What They Do?
• Are Humans Naturally Good or Evil?
• What Is the Difference Between a Mass Murderer and a Serial Killer in Modern Culture?
• Is There a Tendency to Increase or Decrease in Serial Killings in the Us in the XXI Century?
• Can Modern Therapies Available for Sociopathic and Psychopathic Disorder Set Serial Killers to Rights?
• What Are the Effects of Childhood Abuse on Serial Killing Behavior?
• How Are the Serial Killers Portrayed in Hollywood Compare to Real-Life Serial Killers?
• What Are Some of the Trademarks of Female Serial Killers?
• Do Serial Killer Partners Always Have a Dominant Personality and a Submissive Personality?
• How Has Modern Technology and Criminology Made It More Difficult for Serial Killers to Remain at Large?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Serial Killer Research Paper Topics: How to Pick One

Why should anyone write a research paper on serial killers? It is the very question you should keep in mind when assigned to perform a home task on this topic. Serial killers are not products of the long-gone times of Jack the Ripper, but a frightening reality. Moreover, despite all the achievements and efforts of forensic science, various fields related to psychology, psychiatry and different social services, people who have a pathological urge to satisfy their contorted needs through serial killings find new ways to escape both treatment and punishment, as well as to trap victims. The US is the world's serial killers leader with the share of 76 percent, while Europe ranks second with only 17 percent. And although the number of serial killers fell significantly in the noughties compared to the 1970-1990s, only from 2010 to 2015 more than 500 victims were killed and 54 serial killers were apprehended and identified in the United States.

That's why you need to understand that you are asked to write about serial killers for a reason - to contribute to preventing this type of crime in one way or another. And that's why you need to take the task seriously starting from the very choosing of a topic for your serial killers research paper. Some students make a mistake taking allegedly "entertaining" topics like "The US number one dangerous killer" or "The most terrible crimes committed by maniacs in the history." Such topics are suitable for thrilling readers rather than for conducting in-depth research aimed at some practical purpose. Those practical purposes may cover understanding how people become serial killers; what we can do to identify deviant behavior in people early on; what should be done to eliminate factors contributing to the development of violent behavior and so on.

To this end, serial killers are studied in several fields like psychology, sociology, forensics and some other sciences, which consider the phenomenon from various perspectives to better understand it. Obviously, students should choose serial killer research paper topics based on the subject they study and set the appropriate goals - to explore the psychology of criminals, to distinguish the most vulnerable social groups or to learn about ways that may help in catching a serial killer. Even if you are writing without focusing on a particular subject, you can make a real difference by dispelling myths about serial killers and presenting facts that can educate you and your readers.

Research Paper Topics on Serial Killers: Ideas and Examples

We have selected the most promising topic ideas on serial killers covering psychological, social, cultural, demographic and many other aspects of this phenomenon. Note that the list doesn't include topics on mass murders or school shooting since many forensic schools consider serial killers a separate group of criminals, who are different in their specificity from those mentioned. However, you should clarify through your tutor, which category of criminals you are assigned to research, and if necessary, you can transform the proposed topics accordingly.

• Where did the term "serial killer" come from?
• Family physical, psychological and sexual abuse and deviant behavior in serial killers.
• Mental disorders in serial killers.
• What lies behind a serial killer's signature?
• Is it possible to diagnose a would-be serial killer?
• What makes a serial killer tick?
• How do juvenile criminals become serial killers?
• Distinctive aspects of repeated murders committed by women.
• The social background of serial killing.
• How does a serial killer differ from a maniac?
• Victim profile: demographic characteristics and individual traits.
• A spree killer, a mass murderer, and a serial killer - terms and legislation.
• Serial killers in the United States: Ethnicity and demographics.
• Are there naturally born serial killers?
• Measures taken by the countries with the highest level of serial killing to reverse the trend.
• Angels of mercy: distinctive features.
• The impact of serial killings on pop culture.
• Are there death penalty alternatives for serial killers?
• Genetic predisposition to violence in serial killers: myth or fact?
• Is there a tendency to increase or decrease in serial killings in the US in the XXI century?
• Serial murders and paraphilia.
• Can modern therapies available for sociopathic and psychopathic disorder set serial killers to rights?
• Criticism of the Macdonald triad.
• Organized, disorganized and mixed killers - how do they differ?
• Multiple murders for money.

You can adjust the offered research paper topics on serial killers to your needs by broadening or, conversely, narrowing them down. Make sure to find and read information on the topic selected before making a final decision to avoid lack of evidence.

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Criminology Dissertation Ideas

Coming up with quality criminology dissertation ideas can get pretty complex, because it requires detailed and sometimes lengthy research. Professional writers from our dissertation writing service prepared everything you need to know about criminology dissertation writing, including specific criminology dissertation ideas.

You will find plenty of topics with which you will be able to ace your criminology class and impress your professors. But, before we go through our list, let’s take a closer look at what makes criminology dissertations so interesting, as well as how to approach them, regardless of which topic you are given.

How to Come Up with a Criminology Dissertation Topic?

Coming up with useful criminology dissertation ideas is more difficult than in some of the other disciplines. How so? Well, the subject matter is more sensitive, and while you might be able to get away with some speculation in a dissertation in other disciplines, there is zero room for that here. However, there are some methods that can make the entire process easier, and they include:

• Brainstorming
• Mapping out your ideas
• Letting the arguments you have create your topic
• Free writing
• Check relevant sources for additional ideas

Don’t be afraid to put down just about on paper, especially if you are relying on free writing or brainstorming. Perhaps that silly thing that popped inside your head might lead you toward more useful criminology dissertation ideas and topics.

What Makes a Criminology Dissertation Interesting?

The best criminology dissertations are interesting because they cover an exciting topic in a way that hasn’t been done before. Also, criminology is extremely fascinating, because it covers complex subject matter, such as crime, from different angles. Not only does require you to include science, but also psychology and sociology in order to get inside the criminal mind. Exploring the motives and reasons behind certain crimes is always interesting, which is why so many effective criminology dissertation ideas revolve around it.

More about dissertation writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation

Best Topic Ideas from Criminology Dissertation

We have set out to create a list of criminology dissertation ideas that are both practical and diverse. This means you will be able to find a topic for yourself, regardless of what sort of crime you are exploring. Also, you will find ideas for subject matter which has already occurred in real life. We have also kept in mind that you need to do research for these topics, which is why we have limited ourselves to those for which you can find plenty of information online or in your local campus library. Here is our list of best criminology dissertation topics:

Criminology Dissertation Ideas on Serial Killers

• Which people are most likely to become serial killers?
• How do serial killers become serial killers?
• Differences between serial killers and mass murderers
• Comparison between real-life serial killers and their portrayal in Hollywood films
• What drives women to become serial killers?
• Exploring the possibility of rehabilitating serial killers
• Differences between male and female serial killers
• Should serial killers be let back into society after serving out their sentences?
• List countries that have the highest numbers of serial killers and explore the reasons behind those numbers
• Can a person’s social status lead them to become a serial killer?
• What are the main motives of serial killers?
• Has modern technology made it easier or harder for serial killers to remain at large?
• What are specific trademarks of female serial killers?
• Which factors contribute to the chances that a person will become a serial killer?
• How common are serial killers outside of the US?

Feminist Criminology Dissertation Topics

• Treatment of Women in the criminal justice system
• Exclusion of women in the dominant crime theories
• Gender diversity in the study of crime
• Feminist theories in criminology
• Women as victims of violent crimes
• Percentage of women working in the criminal justice system
• Feminist approaches to criminal research
• What is feminist criminology?
• Why is feminist criminology important?
• Gender inequality in the law and criminal justice system

Criminology Dissertation Ideas on Domestic Violence

• Investigating the effects of domestic violence on young children
• What are the key triggers for domestic violence?
• The effectiveness of psychiatric treatment in overcoming trauma caused by domestic violence
• Domestic violence: racial and ethnic factors
• Comparison of different types of domestic violence
• Male domestic violence in first-world countries
• Female empowerment and its effect on domestic violence
• Correlation between domestic violence and probability of suicide
• What role does the media play in domestic violence
• Who are the victims of domestic violence?
• Domestic violence and the law
• Forms of intimate partner violence
• Popular culture and domestic violence
• Domestic violence against people with disabilities
• Gay and bisexual domestic violence

Youth Crime Dissertation Ideas

• Juvenile delinquents and their family environment
• How do violent movies, music, and video games influence youth crimes?
• Are children of single parents more or less likely to become juvenile delinquents?
• What are the earliest indicators of future delinquent behavior?
• Do male juvenile delinquents receive longer sentences than female delinquents for committing the same crime?
• What role do alcohol and drugs play in young people committing crimes?
• What’s the outcome when it comes to the rehabilitation of young offenders?
• Are corrections facilities the best to rehabilitate underage delinquents?
• Are foster children more likely to end up committing a crime?
• What are the most common crimes committed by juvenile delinquents?
• Does a family history of crime make children more like to commit a crime in the future?
• How does juvenile delinquency affect young people’s chance of employment and having a career?
• What is the main motive behind youth crimes?
• How to minimize violent and sexual crimes among the youth
• Should juvenile delinquents be tried as adults if they have committed a violent crime?

Cybercrime Dissertation Topics

• Discussing the impact of cybercrimes on the finance and banking industry
• Should online identity theft be treated as a crime?
• The most common cybercrimes in the United States
• Exploring the history of hacking
• The most vicious cyber attacks in history
• What effects does hacking have on countries?
• Challenges of cybersecurity and the prevention of cybercrimes at universities
• Are cyber attacks considered terrorism?
• Explaining all the phases of a DDoS attack
• What are the most effective ways to protect children from cyberbullying?
• What is ransomware and how do ransomware attacks happen?
• Evolution and history of online scams
• What are the best ways to prevent cybercrimes?
• What are the main motives for cybercrimes and hacking?
• What are the financial effects of cybercrime?

Criminology Dissertation Ideas about Drugs

• Differences between the effects of alcohol and marijuana on human behavior
• Should the media promotion of drugs be banned?
• In what way does cannabis improve or impair the cognitive abilities of those consuming it?
• Should marijuana be legalized and under which conditions?
• Correlation between drugs, poverty, and crime in low-income households
• How effective are the methods used by physicians and psychiatrists in drug rehabilitation facilities?
• How does parental drug use affect the child’s tendency to use drugs?
• Are there any positive effects of smoking cannabis?
• Establishing the connection between substance abuse and violent crimes
• What role does drug abuse play in domestic violence?
• Comparing the effects of the most common drugs on human behavior
• What are the most abused drugs in the United States?
• Should schools introduce random drug testing in order to fight drug abuse among students?
• Exploring the harmful effects drug abuse has on society in general
• Does drug abuse increase the number of sexual assaults?

Dissertation Ideas on Mental Health and Crime

• What role does childhood trauma play in a person’s likelihood to commit a crime?
• Establishing the connection between mental illness and crime
• Which mental disorders are most likely to drive a person to commit a violent crime?
• How effective is mental therapy for criminals which have committed murder?
• Is it possible to fake a mental illness in order to escape punishment?
• Correlation between mental disorders and aggressive behavior
• What are the most common mental illnesses among sexual offenders?
• What sort of mental disorder do victims of sexual assault usually suffer from?
• The most efficient ways of promoting mental health in a society
• Which traumas can lead a person to commit a violent crime?
• How does media content exacerbate a person’s mental disorder?
• What are the common mental disorders among the youth?
• Can community-based centers be effective in providing treatment for those suffering from mental illnesses?
• How can members of the police force be trainers to recognize mental illnesses?
• Can depression and anxiety drive a person to commit murder?

Criminology Dissertation Ideas on Prisons

• Should the prisoners be allowed to vote and under which conditions?
• To which extent is it possible to rehabilitate prisoners which have committed violent crimes?
• Should murderers be introduced back into society after they have served the entirety of their sentence?
• Correlation between crime rates and the length of prison sentences for those crimes
• Which crimes are the most common inside prisons?
• Should sexual offenders be separated from other prisoners?
• What are the most common causes of unrest in prisons?
• The most effective methods for preventing suicide in prisons
• Why is it difficult for developing countries to reduce violence among prisoners?
• What are the most common crimes prisoners get convicted of?
• What is the longest prison sentence ever given to a murderer?
• What percentage of sexual offenders end up in prison for the same crime?
• How many criminals escape from US prisons every year?
• Should prisoners which have committed murder receive benefits for their forced labor?
• The most effective rehabilitation methods in prison

Coming up with useful criminology dissertation ideas can be a challenge, especially if you are looking to cover something that hasn’t been done before. Hopefully, our list of dissertation topics will provide you with enough quantity and quality, so that you are never short on ideas. We hope you will find it helpful and use some of the subjects listed in this article.

This article was written by Beatrix Potter Publish Date: Jul 21, 2022

Beatrix Potter

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The Best Criminology Dissertation Ideas On Serial Killers

There are many interesting topics in the field of criminology, but there are few subjects that remain as popular as the phenomenon of the serial killer. When it comes to writing a dissertation, students can make their work a little more interesting by writing about a serial killer or covering aspects of this type of murderer. To get started on writing a criminology dissertation, students should consider some of the following topic ideas.

Criminology Dissertation Ideas on Serial Killers

• Recent MRI studies show that psychopaths have differences in their mind when compared to normal individuals. What significance could this have on “diagnosing” a serial killer?
• What is the difference between a mass murderer and a serial killer in modern culture?
• What are some of the factors that contribute to the chances that a specific individual will become a serial killer?
• What were some of the signatures of BTK and why does this specific serial killer retain a grotesque fascination for popular culture?
• How do the serial killers portrayed in Hollywood compare to real life serial killers?
• Historically, serial killers were considered an American issue. It is for this reason that several serial killers in the former Soviet Union went uncaught. What happened in this case and why did the Russians persist on believing that only Americans have serial killers?
• What are some of the trademarks of female serial killers?
• Do serial killer partners always have a dominant personality and a submissive personality?
• How did the Son of Sam cause panic in New York City? How can the media and public policy prevent populations from panicking about the serial killers that walk among them?
• What made the case of Charles Manson so unique?
• Is it possible to cure a serial killer?
• How is the Canadian justice system ill-designed for prosecuting and punishing serial killers in comparison with the justice system in the United States?
• Many serial killers enjoy the notoriety that they receive for their crimes, and even partner with journalists to create a biography. How do journalists fuel the narcissism and attention that the serial killer craves by working with them? Are journalists essentially profiting from their crimes?
• Is behavioral analysis an effective way to predict the characteristics of an individual serial killer?
• Who is the person most likely to be Jack the Ripper?
• How does the media portray the character of Dexter as a serial killer? Is this a way of idealizing who a serial killer is?
• How has modern technology and criminology made it more difficult for serial killers to remain at large?

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Criminal Psychology Dissertation Ideas

Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On May 13, 2024

If you are writing a research paper on criminal psychology, you have a variety of topics and themes to choose from. Do psychopaths have an innate or developed nature? Is there a way to help criminals get better? Why do serial killers commit these crimes? When writing a criminal psychology dissertation , you might consider one or more of these research ideas. Your research and citations should be accurate regardless of the criminal psychology theme you select.

It is possible to study criminal behaviour, forensics, and crime from every angle. To help you get started and inspire your creativity, we’ve collected interesting criminal psychology dissertation ideas.

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List of Criminal Psychology Dissertation Topic Ideas

• Examine the connection between incarceration later in life and psychiatric illnesses that appear in childhood or adolescence. 
• The link between criminal behaviour and social class. Give three reasons why someone’s socioeconomic situation might influence their decision to commit a crime.
• Determine the social environments that promote propensities for violence and hostility. To compose a cause-and-effect essay, include a number of examples from the research.
• Comparing the incarceration rates of men in the same population who are 18 to 25 years old and have a high school education.
• A political behaviour study (causality & prevention of crime).
• A comparison between school bullying and criminality.
• Using sexual violence as a weapon in armed conflict: a case study.
• Recognising the link between crime and marginalisation and prejudice based on religion.
• Criminal behaviour is seen through the prism of the personality of the offender.
• Law, Mental Illness, and Crime: A Psycho-Criminological View.
• Important personality qualities (neuroticism) that can be used to predict criminal conduct.
• Psychological distinctions between juvenile and adult criminals are common.
• Is it harmful for juvenile criminals (in terms of reeducation) to be detained alongside adults?
• What patterns are in serial killers’ mindsets across cases?
• The balance between restraining circumstances and criminal intentions.
• How much thought goes into arranging a crime, and what does that reveal about criminals?
• Control over a crime’s execution and its usage in criminal profiling.
• Psychological disorders frequently lead to criminal behaviour.
• An examination of the worldview of criminals who are in jail like their emotions, such as guilt, regret, rage, disappointment, self-pity, and sentiments of unfairness, predominate, etc.
• Criminals’ emotional and social requirements for successful reintegration into society.
• Is there a rise in crime when certain public situations, such as weather calamities, occur? How can emergency management specialists avoid this if that’s the case?
• Look at the relationship between criminal behaviour and socioeconomic class. Name three ways that socioeconomic position may influence criminal behaviour.
• Do mandatory minimum sentences prevent crime or encourage recidivism? What types of biases are present in these laws? What could’ve been done more effectively?
• Disparities between men and women in the criminal justice system.
• Should offenders undergo genetic testing? Should a judge or jury accept evidence that the defendant had poor impulse control or another hereditary or mental weakness?
• Why do students from colleges engage in arson?
• The Role of Terrorism in Preventing Technology 
• The link between criminal behaviour and schizophrenia 
• How is the justice in lengthy convictions after committing minor crimes?
• Relevance of women in committing crimes 
• The influence of social media on criminal planning
• The psychological impact of solitary confinement on inmates

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If you want to write a dissertation on criminal psychology, don’t expect it to be a simple process. If you are not passionate about your topic, you will spend much more time researching it than expected. It is easier to maintain your motivation and keep writing when you choose a topic you are interested in and passionate about. We hope you can choose a unique and remarkable topic from these criminal psychology dissertation ideas mentioned above.

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A Dark Phenomenon: Cannibal Serial Killers

This essay is about understanding cannibal serial killers, examining their motivations, psychological profiles, and the societal factors that contribute to their disturbing behavior. It explains how these individuals violate social taboos by combining murder with consuming their victims’ flesh, often driven by a desire for dominance or gratification. Infamous cases, such as Jeffrey Dahmer and Albert Fish, illustrate the extreme pathology of these killers. The essay also discusses the role of childhood trauma, neurological abnormalities, and social isolation in shaping these tendencies, suggesting that early intervention and mental health support could prevent some individuals from progressing to violent behavior. Moreover, it highlights how media portrayals can influence public perception and emphasizes the importance of understanding this phenomenon to help reduce future tragedies.

How it works

Cannibal serial killers have long held a dark fascination in the public imagination, often occupying a special place in the annals of criminal history. Their crimes, characterized by a disturbing blend of murder and cannibalism, horrify and intrigue both the public and experts alike. Understanding the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to this behavior is key to exploring the depths of human violence and the reasons behind this rare yet terrifying phenomenon.

Cannibalism in the context of serial killing is particularly disturbing because it transgresses deeply ingrained social taboos.

The act often represents the culmination of extreme psychological pathology, where the individual derives satisfaction not only from murder but also from consuming the flesh of their victims. This behavior is sometimes motivated by a need to dominate or control their victims entirely, effectively reducing them to mere objects for gratification. For others, cannibalism is believed to confer special powers or provide a sense of communion with their victims.

One of the most infamous examples of a cannibal serial killer is Jeffrey Dahmer, who was active in the 1980s and early 1990s. Dahmer lured his victims into his apartment, where he would drug, kill, and dismember them. His crimes were gruesome, involving not only the consumption of flesh but also the preservation of body parts as trophies. Psychological assessments revealed deep-seated feelings of abandonment and alienation, which may have driven his need for power and control over his victims. Similarly, Albert Fish, an early 20th-century cannibal, exhibited extreme sadistic tendencies and viewed his crimes as a way to inflict pain and suffering while fulfilling his own twisted desires.

In attempting to explain the motives behind such individuals, experts often look to a combination of biological, psychological, and sociological factors. Neurological abnormalities, such as damage to the frontal lobe or limbic system, may inhibit impulse control and heighten aggressive tendencies. Childhood trauma and neglect are also recurrent themes among cannibal serial killers, often resulting in maladaptive coping mechanisms. Social isolation and a lack of positive role models can further exacerbate these tendencies. In some cases, an early fascination with violence, coupled with sexual dysfunction, plays a significant role in the development of such extreme behavior.

The study of cannibal serial killers raises broader questions about the nature of violence and the limits of human behavior. It challenges the assumption that evil is simply a product of “bad” individuals and instead prompts a closer look at the societal factors that can influence criminal behavior. Furthermore, these cases highlight the importance of early intervention and mental health support, as many cannibal serial killers exhibit clear warning signs during their formative years. Preventative measures, such as addressing childhood trauma and providing psychological counseling, may help identify at-risk individuals and reduce the likelihood of violent tendencies escalating to the extreme.

In recent decades, the portrayal of cannibal serial killers in literature and film has further shaped public perception. Characters like Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs” and Leatherface in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” are vivid fictional representations of these individuals. While their actions may seem like the stuff of nightmares, their real-world counterparts are reminders of the darker aspects of human nature. At the same time, this media portrayal can risk trivializing or sensationalizing the issue, making it critical to maintain a balanced understanding of the underlying psychological and societal factors at play.

Cannibal serial killers remain an unsettling phenomenon that defies easy explanation. Their motivations are as varied as they are disturbing, often driven by deep psychological trauma, neurological dysfunction, or distorted social influences. By studying these individuals and the factors that contribute to their behavior, society can gain insight into preventing similar tragedies in the future. Despite their rarity, their cases force us to confront the far-reaching consequences of untreated trauma, social isolation, and the fragility of mental health.

Remember, this essay is a starting point for inspiration and further research. For more personalized assistance and to ensure your writing meets all academic standards, consider reaching out to professionals at EduBirdie .

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Serial Killer Dissertation Topics Ideas

Table of Contents

The prime purpose of getting education is to become a sensitive person. Also, education will help you change your thinking perspective. Then, it will enable you to see both sides of the picture after making you a sensitive person. There is a wide range of subjects that universities are offering. But, students will enroll themselves in those subjects that they find interesting.

One of those subjects is criminology that is a subfield of sociology. The prime purpose of this subfield is to understand the nature of the criminal mindset. It helps psychologists understand the reasons for criminal activity. Then, it will also help them to know the reason behind this activity.  Serial killing and serial killers are the prime focus of criminology. Thus, all students studying criminology at the undergraduate level need to submit a dissertation. But, they must make sure that their dissertation has a unique and fresh topic. Students need assistance from the best dissertation writing services UK .

How Serial Killers Become Serial Killers?

A serial killer is a person who kills three or more people. Abnormal psychological gratification is one of the major reasons behind the serial killing. Apart from this, there are several other reasons too. Most of the time, these killers are early childhood trauma survivors. Physical and sexual abuses are also other major reasons. He will find his victims based on several characteristics. Those characteristics can be race, gender and other qualities. Again, it is impossible to find a victim with exact traits.

So, he will select victims with semi traits and observe daily routine. In these murders, a serial killer keeps a significant period. As a result, authorities use different criteria for designating these serial killers. But, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a different approach towards serial killers. According to the FBI, a person is a serial killer if he has murdered more than one person.

Guidelines For Writing a Serial Killer Dissertation:

Writing a dissertation is not an easy job. Writing a dissertation on a serial killer will be even more difficult. But, there are several things you need to remember while writing a dissertation. You will have to select an interesting and also intriguing topic idea. Furthermore, the next important step is having in-depth research and writing skills. However, you might face several difficulties when you are writing a dissertation. But, the dissertation writing service can help you when you face any difficulty.

Ideas For Serial Killer Dissertation:

Best dissertation writing services also aim to help students in writing a serial killer dissertation. Thus, they can hire our services for the top-quality content that will guarantee them A+ results. Apart from this, here are a few important ideas for a serial killer dissertation:

• What are the main differences between serial killers and mass murderers?
• Write down the significance of the BTK signature in the modern-day history
• Compare the Hollywood serial killers with real-life serial killers
• Write down the main causes of serial killing in the UK and USA
• What are the possible reasons which make women become serial killers?
• What are the possible trademarks of women serial killers?
• Write down the personality of the serial killers
• Write down the personality of the parents of the serial killers

Most Interesting Ideas for Serial Killer Dissertation:

• What are the possible ways to cure a serial killer?
• What are the major differences between the laws that are made for serial killers in the UK and USA?
• Is it possible for us to predict the characteristics of a serial killer? How can behavioural analysis help in this regard?
• Write complete biography of Karla Homolka; A Canadian serial killer
• What are the possible differences between a serial killer and a maniac?
• What is the difference between the approaches of male and female serial killers to kill a person?
• Is it a good idea to send the serial killers back into their societies? Especially after giving punishments to them for their crimes?
• Enlist all the countries which have the highest rate of serial killing
• Is there any relation between scenes of influence and serial killing in any country?

Important Ideas for Serial Killer Dissertation:

• What are the most scandalous cases that are investigated about serial killers?
• Take an overview of the serial killing circumstances in the 20 th  and 21 st  centuries
• Can the social status of a person become a cause to turn him into a serial killer?
• Are contract killers also known as serial killers?
• What are possible ways that serial killers use to murderer their victims?
• Is it possible for us to eradicate serial killing from society?
• Write a note on the serial killing circumstances in the UK
• Compare the incidences of serial killing in the UK, USA and Canada
• How to educate people to get rid of serial killing in society?
• Can a serial killer become a common man after educating him?

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Alberta RCMP link four historical homicides to deceased serial killer

May 17, 2024 Edmonton, Alberta

News release

Alberta RCMP have linked four historical homicides of young women from the 1970's to a now deceased serial sexual offender. The Alberta RCMP Historical Homicide Unit (HHU) believe there may be more unsolved homicides in Western Canada related to this individual.

Eva Dvorak (14) and Patricia McQueen (14)

In 1976, Eva Dvorak and Patricia (Patsy) McQueen, both 14-years-old, were junior high school students residing in Calgary. The teenagers were friends who spent time together in and outside of school. On the evening of Feb. 14, 1976, Eva and Patsy were last seen walking together in downtown Calgary.

On Feb. 15, 1976, at approximately 10:40 a.m., the young women were found deceased under the Happy Valley Overpass on Highway 1, west of Calgary.

Melissa Rehorek (20)

In the spring of 1976, 20-year-old Melissa Rehorek relocated to Calgary from Ontario. At the time of her death, Rehorek was employed as a housekeeper and living at the YWCA in downtown Calgary. Rehorek was last seen on the evening of Sept. 15, 1976, by a roommate. She had intended on hitchhiking out of the city during her days off.

On Sept. 16, 1976, at approximately 10:50 am, her body was located in the ditch on what is now known as Township Road 252, approximately 22 kilometres west of Calgary.

Barbara MacLean (19)

In 1977, Barbara MacLean was 19-years-old. Originating from Nova Scotia, Barbara had moved to Calgary six months prior and was employed at a local bank. On Feb. 25, 1977, Barbara attended the Highlander Hotel bar in Calgary with friends. She was last seen walking alone from the hotel in the early hours of Feb. 26, 1977.

Barbara's body was discovered by a dog walker in the area of 6 th Street and 80 th Avenue NE, Calgary, approximately six hours later.

Autopsies were conducted on all four victims. The Medical Examiner was unable to determine the cause of death for Eva Dvorak and Patsy McQueen. Consequently, their deaths were not ruled homicides, but rather investigated as sudden deaths. Melissa Rehorek and Barbara MacLean's cause of death was asphyxiation due to manual strangulation.

Exhibits seized from all four victims were submitted to the RCMP's National Forensic Lab Services for testing. Although seminal fluid was discovered at all three crime scenes, the technology did not exist to develop a DNA profile at the time.

From the onset, similarities between Melissa Rehorek and Barbara MacLean's deaths led investigators to believe the same suspect was responsible for both homicides.

Over the past 40 years, the Alberta RCMP exhausted investigational means in an attempt to identify the person(s) responsible for these tragic deaths. These files were never closed and were continually being reassessed under the microscope of new information, advancement in technology, and evolution of police techniques.

In 2003, with the advancement of enhanced DNA analysis, police were able to confirm the same suspect was linked to both Melissa Rehorek and Barbara MacLean's murders through DNA. At that time, the suspect's DNA was compared against the National DNA Databank without a match. The profile was uploaded into the Databank and went without a hit for over 20 years.

When the tool known as Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) became available, the Alberta RCMP were hopeful they could identify the unknown DNA contributor linked to the Melissa Rehorek and Barbara MacLean homicides.

In 2021, the RCMP and CPS formed a true partnership to use IGG to successfully identify the suspect.

RCMP investigators re-examined the exhibits that they had seized over 45 years ago. They worked with the RCMP lab and Parabon NanoLabs to develop a single nucleotide polymorphisms profile that was in turn uploaded to GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA.

Genealogists from Convergence IGG were able to start building a family tree based on the SNP profile while CPS consulted with them and completed target testing to help drive the genealogy portion forward. When target testing was complete, Convergence IGG was able to provide a suspect hypothesis.

Analytical queries confirmed the suspect's connection to Canada and that he had a criminal record of committing violent acts on women.

The resulting investigation, which took RCMP investigators throughout Alberta, British Columbia and several US states confirmed this hypothesis.

During this same time, crime scene evidence was resubmitted to the lab from the Dvorak and McQueen investigation. The same unknown male DNA profile was identified on both victims that matched the unknown male DNA profile from the Rehorek and MacLean murders. In light of this new information, the RCMP believed that the same male offender was responsible for the deaths of all four victims.

The RCMP, utilizing the information provided through IGG, began a cross border investigation into United States citizen, Gary Allen Srery (born 1942). Srery died of natural causes in an Idaho State prison in 2011 while serving a sentence for rape. With assistance from Interpol and Idaho State Police Forensic Services, Srery's DNA was confirmed as a match to the unknown male DNA profile present on all four Calgary victims.

The Alberta RCMP believe Gary Allen Srery is responsible for the murders of Patsy McQueen, Eva Dvorak, Melissa Rehorek and Barbara MacLean.

Through the background investigation into Srery, members of the Alberta RCMP HHU were able to establish the following:

• Gary Allen Srery was a US citizen who was residing illegally in Canada at the time of the murders;
• Prior to coming to Calgary, Srery had an extensive criminal record in the United States for sex related offences including forcible rape, kidnapping, burglary and sexual perversion;
• Srery appeared to flee the US sometime during 1974 after posting bail for a rape charge in California;
• Srery lived under aliases in Calgary in 1976 and 1977 that included, but were not limited to, Willy Blackman and Rex Long;
• Srery lived a transient lifestyle and worked occasionally under the table as a cook;
• Srery was adept at frequently changing his appearance, place of residence and vehicles; and
• Srery lived in Alberta and British Columbia from the mid to late 1970s up until 2003 when he was deported.

Srery's criminality spanned decades, over multiple jurisdictions, under numerous aliases, and the Alberta RCMP believe there may be more victims.

We are asking the public to assist in further establishing Srery's timeline in Canada. If you recognize Gary Srery or knew him by one of his many aliases the Alberta RCMP want to hear from you. For tips, please contact the Alberta RCMP Historical Crime Unit via [email protected] or by phone at 780-509-3306.

If you believe Srery may be associated to or responsible for a crime in your jurisdiction, we ask that you reach out to the policing agency within that jurisdiction to report.

"For over forty years, investigators did not give up in their pursuit to identify those responsible for these murders," said Superintendent David Hall, Officer in Charge of the Alberta RCMP's Serious Crimes Branch. "Identifying the perpetrator does not bring Eva, Patsy, Melissa or Barbara back. It is our hope however, that the families are finally able to have some answers as to what happened to their loved ones all of those years ago."

"Regardless of how much time has passed, we remain relentless in pursuing justice for all Calgarians," said Insp. Kevin Forsen of the CPS Major Crimes Section. "In this case, our investigators dedicated countless hours lending their Investigative Genetic Genealogy expertise to the RCMP and are grateful to have played a part in finding answers for the family."

To the families and friends of other unsolved homicide victims - the Alberta RCMP would like to assure you that no case is ever closed and that investigators are tirelessly invested in pushing files forward through the use of new technology, partnerships, and new information.

The RCMP would like to thank the Calgary Police Service and Convergence Investigative Genetic Genealogy for their assistance and support throughout the course of this investigation.

Contact information

Alberta RCMP Media Relations 780-509-3970

'Killers of the Flower Moon' Is an Anti-True Crime Film

Martin Scorsese rejects any notion of a "whodunit" in his historical epic.

The Big Picture

• The rise of true crime media has desensitized audiences to the horrors of violent crimes, focusing more on the "whodunnit" aspect than the true horror and despair.
• Martin Scorsese's film adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon disrupts the clichés of the genre by centering the story on the thorny relationship between Ernest and Mollie Burkhart, rather than a procedural investigation.
• Scorsese's film challenges the negligence of true crime in its portrayal of the victims, highlighting the flaws in glorifying killers and the exploitation of violent acts for entertainment.

Over the last decade, the true crime genre has experienced a popularity boom unlike any other. Podcasts like Serial and documentary series like Making a Murderer have made gruesome topics palatable to a mainstream audience. Narrative miniseries across various streaming services have been a factory for adaptations of real-life crimes. While there are culture critics more apt to dissect this phenomenon, the rise of true crime media has seemingly desensitized audiences to the harrowing nature of murder and other violent crimes. Probing viewers to develop their theories as to who the perpetrators of the crimes at hand are is an easy way to captivate them. Because the text of true crime devolves into the parlor game of "whodunnit," the genre quickly loses sight of the horror and despair of depicting violent crimes. The new Martin Scorsese historical epic, Killers of the Flower Moon , offers an appropriate counter to the tiresome clichés of the genre.

Killers of the Flower Moon is adapted from a true crime book of the same name by David Grann , which details a series of suspicious murders of Osage tribe members in Oklahoma upon the discovery of oil under their land. The book also tracks the formation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the rise of J. Edgar Hoover , which coincides with agent Tom White 's investigation of the Osage murders. Grann's book is extensively researched. Despite a dense story with countless names and events, Killers of the Flower Moon flows with the seamlessness of a mystery novel, while also upholding the core disturbing thesis: how did this human atrocity stay under wraps from the public eye for this long?

Killers of the Flower Moon

When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

Martin Scorsese Made a Pivotal Change in the Perspective of 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Scorsese, who co-wrote the film adaptation of Flower Moon with Eric Roth, made a critical pivot in the direction of the narrative . Following the structure of Grann's book, they initially envisioned the film as a procedural from the perspective of Tom White ( Jesse Plemons ). Leonardo DiCaprio , Scorsese's 21st-century muse, who was originally set to play White, questioned what the true heart of this story was. Upon further evaluation, Scorsese and Roth reached an epiphany. The film ought to center around the thorny relationship between Ernest and Mollie Burkhart . "They loved each other, Ernest and Mollie. And don’t forget that. They loved each other," an Osage woman said to Scorsese, as described in an interview with the director for Deadline . "Whoa. That’s the story. How could he have done what he did? " Scorsese said. Suddenly, after the casting of DiCaprio as Ernest and breakout star Lily Gladstone as Mollie, Killers of the Flower Moon truly manifested as a Martin Scorsese picture and not a run-of-the-mill true crime saga.

"I think the audience is ahead of us," Scorsese proclaims on the validity of Killers of the Flower Moon as a murder mystery at a press conference following the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival . "They know it’s not a whodunnit, it’s who didn’t do it," he elaborated . Evil is an overbearing force permeating the entire narrative. The Osage nation, a once vibrant community filled with family tradition and natural beauty, was destroyed by the nefarious self-righteousness of Ernest's uncle , William Hale ( Robert De Niro ). His dictatorial complex is integral to the Hale figure. Scorsese dispenses any notion of mystery by alerting audiences that Hale is orchestrating this conspiracy of murders. He justifies himself as a domineering figure with the Osage people, posing as an ally as he poisons and shoots them in the back of the head. Scorsese, in the Deadline interview, stated "You know he’s a bad guy. There’s no mystery. So, what is it? A police procedural? Who cares! We’ve got fantastic ones on television."

Scorsese Deconstructs the Whodunit Nature of True Crime

While not explicitly subverting the True Crime genre, Scorsese's ambitious narrative construction and confrontational character development undermine the fundamental components of a retrospective detective story. Killers of the Flower Moon is a challenging film , and its lack of interest in engaging with the potboiler sensibilities of True Crime will disarm many viewers. Scorsese recognized that this story was not about who killed who. Instead, he reflected on his background with gangster films by presenting a criminal enterprise that doesn't even hide in plain sight. Hale is practically the embodiment of law enforcement. The omnipresence of Hale and his vast conspiracy speak to larger ideas about the sinister nature of capitalism and the history of oppression against Native Americans.

Following through on Scorsese's preference to make a murder mystery that asked "Who didn't do it?" Killers of the Flower Moon is an affirmation of the director's late-period anxieties about morality pondered in Silence and The Irishman . As the story proceeds through its lengthy runtime, it's revealed that few, if not zero, non-Osage people were absolved from sin. The conspiracy slowly unravels to show that the murder plot extended far beyond the powers of Hale and Ernest Burkhart. Extended family members of Ernest, the husbands of Osage women, attorneys, the town undertaker, and many more disparate figures were all soldiers of Hale. In a picture highly populated with wolves, focusing on "whodunit" is quite fraught.

True Crime media naturally glorifies killers, no matter how persistent the author is to paint them with a grotesque image. At the very least, serial killers or criminal overlords are glorified because of their cunning abilities to execute a string of crimes. Flower Moon presents a crime ring embedded with buffoonery. These people are not proficient criminals--even William Hale, who is quickly identified as the perpetrator once White formulates his investigation. One assassin, John Ramsey ( Ty Mitchell ), is incapable of following basic instructions to shoot Henry Roan in the front of the head rather than the back to frame the murder as a suicide. The depicted murders are so sloppy and conspicuous that they deconstruct the entire basis of True-Crime documentaries and narrative stories. This is also fascinating commentary from Scorsese, who often faces criticism for glamorizing criminals. No one in their right mind will ever think that Ernest Burkhart is cool--a testament to DiCaprio's ability to truncate his stardom.

There is No Sense of Justice or Triumph in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Tom White, representative of a standard avatar of true crime sagas, is not associated with any sense of justice. While morally upright, his arrival is far too late. Evil has ravaged the Osage nation, and his prosecution is miniscule in the grand scheme of things. The last quarter of Killers of the Flower Moon , which primarily consists of the FBI's prosecution of Hale and Ernest and the subsequent confession from the latter, is designed to expedite the narrative and wrap up the film as a whole. Instead, Scorsese only heightens the dread, forcing the audience to sit through Ernest's futile attempts to redeem his soul and his relationship with Mollie, who had been inflicted with poison by her husband for an extended period. Upon his confession at Hale's trial, there is no triumph. White, who solves a murder mystery that is as clear as day, barely scratches the surface of the nihilism orchestrated by Hale.

Demanding that the most rudimentary piece of true crime media aspire to the thematic complexities of Martin Scorsese films is far-fetched. No matter what he touches, Scorsese dissects the human condition under the spell of temptation and guilt. This naturally makes him preferential to examining crime-related stories, as they catalyze the most primal emotions. Tapping into the psychological angst of murder is something that true crime merely brushes upon. When an artist is bogged down in the details of procedural drama, the depravity of murder, a mass genocide in the case of Flower Moon , is lost in the shuffle. Under the familiar guise of a police procedural, Killers of the Flower Moon would have shortchanged the more abstract (but vital) elements such as Ernest and Mollie's perverse romance, Hale's suffocating influence on his nephew and the entire community, and the inscrutable motivations of Ernest in his devotions to Mollie and Hale. From a broader perspective, true crime has immeasurably desensitized violent acts to its vast audience. The authenticity of the horror of the Osage murders is often lost in true crime media which loses sight of the victims. This is precisely why Gladstone's spellbinding performance as Mollie is celebrated as the heart of Killers of the Flower Moon .

'Killers of the Flower Moon Challenges the Negligence of True Crime in Its Portrayal of the Victims

The film's much-discussed ending , which substituted the traditional postscript with a live radio show detailing the events following the events of the film. The pomp and circumstance of the broadcast whitewash the brutality of the text, which is symbolic of how this modern American tragedy has been swept under the rug by the authors of American history. In a stunning turn of events, Martin Scorsese himself appears on stage to read Mollie Burkhart's obituary. After reading it, Scorsese, posing as the producer of the radio show, states in a somber tone, "There was no mention of the murders." The final shot, evoking classic historical epics, is from a bird's eye view, capturing a massive tribal dance from the Osage community in the shape of a flower. As the shot slowly fades to black, a chilling sensation hits the audience as they fully process the grave monstrosity at hand.

Scorsese's cameo is both a reflection of his filmmaking career and America's fascination with true crime. It is a sobering acceptance that he, along with audiences alike, is part of the problem. We fail to sympathize and understand the plight of the victims. Scorsese, who cemented his legacy with his dazzling portrayals of violent figures, displays incredible nuance and self-awareness in his mea culpa. Ending a three-and-a-half-hour crime drama with a challenging message such as this affirms the heart of the film. Viewers at home will never comprehend the agony experienced by the Osage people. Furthermore, the victims of evil actions will continue to be forgotten under the model of the exploitative nature of true crime.