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Murder Conviction Rates have Plummeted

Mike

Mike

Member
I heard and interview with a former D.C. District Attorney where he quoted some fascinating statistics.

In the 1960's the conviction rate for murders was about 90%. Great, huh? Each decade to follow saw about a 10% decrease in solved cases ending in convictions to the point that less than 50% of murder investigations result in the perp being convicted. It's horrible to think most murderers get off Scott free.

He gave two reasons for this downward spiral. Before I reveal them, I want to play a little game. If others play along, try to guess what these reasons that he discussed were.

I'll just say what they were if no one tries or after a few days go by without anyone hitting on them. I'll just say his reasons were very legitimate, IMHO.
 
That's a good thought, but I think you'll agree the two reasons this guy gave probably have a bigger impact on conviction rates for murder being half of what they were in the 60's.
 
None of those. Advances in technology would dictate that the conviction rate would go up. Think of where we'd be today if we didn't advance this technology. 30%?
 
So just to clear, there are a couple of "things" that people who are clearly guilty receive no sentence?
 
I'm going to break my own rule and explain the reasons he gave for the sake of conversation. Then you all can say if you agree with him.

1. Murder profiles have changed since the 60's. They used to be almost always driven by passion. Murderers knew their assailants, and it was easier to connect the dots by known relationships. Today there are many more random, opportunistic murders and acts of viokence. Gang violence is part of this, and people who know something fear retaliation if they provide evidence or testify in court.

2. Jurors generally have less commitment to the good of community. The media has made "knowledgeable investigators" of jurors who think they know better than the prosecution. They selfishly want to appear smart and question what they see presented by the prosecution. They aspire to be part of the story after the case has been settled.

So, what do you think?
 
Interesting to say the least.

Both make sense for at least why the rates have dropped.

Fear and Pride. That's what it boils down to. Seems about on par for the modern day age.
 
I wouldn't expect the conviction rate for homicides to go down that drastically, though. Between advances in forensic testing and the connectivity of people everywhere anytime, I'd think the factors he mentioned would be offset at least. When I consider that witnesses to a homicide had to get to a landline back then, where now they can reach in their pocket and have 911 on the phone instantly, it seems like it would be harder and harder to get away with it. And let's not forget about camera's on everyone's phone.

One thing really resonated with me though. People are impatient and impulsive these days. When they don't get their way in society today, they take it out on any possible victim, whether they were involved or not. A police officer gets caught on video capturing one perspective that's often only part of the story, and a whole segment of society becomes enraged with the community. Somehow, someway, someone, anyone will pay for what someone deems to be an injustice. It's a crazy world out there, and minding your own business isn't assurance of safety anymore.
 
Drug deals gone bad...
Getting murdered for the $20 in your pocket.
Catching the attention of a homicidal crazy person. (By sneezing)

As we get more involved with social media we lose contact and connection with the community we live in. Too busy staring at our phones to talk or look around.
We used to know all our neighbors. Now we live in apartments and are more transient than ever. I'm just as guilty as the next guy.

I wonder if things will improve.
 
Mike said:
We both know the answer to that question. The degradation continues. :neutral
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Over the course of history...there have been many periods of morals going high as well as low. We seem to be in a "low" swing at the moment.
 
JohnDB said:
Over the course of history...there have been many periods of morals going high as well as low. We seem to be in a "low" swing at the moment.
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That may be, but overall, I see a steady trend of commitment to God & country and the overall community. Generally, the U.S. is sinking into chaos more and more. All of this adds to the legitimacy of the first point that US attorney gave for the dramatic drop in the rate of murder convictions.
Roro1972 said:
Ucr.fbi.gov/ crime says murder is up sinse 2014
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Which should surprise nary a soul.
 
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