Medicine, science, and the law
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This paper reviews the research literature on gunshot suicide in the United Kingdom and the international literature with reference to strategies aimed at preventing gunshot suicides. Trends in gun ownership and changes in firearm legislation in the UK over the past 20 years are described. Most UK gunshot suicides are male, middle-aged and living with a partner and involve the use of shotguns. ⋯ Over the past 20 years the number of gunshot suicides in the UK has declined by over 50% to a little over a hundred deaths per annum. At the same time, firearm legislation has become progressively more restrictive and rates of gun ownership have declined. Measures, which might further reduce the prevalence of gunshot suicides in the UK, are discussed.
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This research study sought to investigate the public perception of paedophiles. It was undertaken in Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Leicester (England) in an attempt to determine whether or not regional variations existed in relation to the public's perception of paedophiles. In doing this, the study sought to test four hypotheses; (1) That the press affects the public's perception of paedophiles; (2) that the public's perception of paedophiles is not congruent with legal and clinical definitions; (3) that the Sarah Payne case has helped to reinforce the public's perception of a predatory paedophile; and (4) that the public's perception is based on fear and irrationality. ⋯ The study indicated that the public is quite well-informed about paedophilia; its recurrence rates, practices and in particular the influence of the media. Furthermore, the study indicated quite significant differences between the cities of Belfast and Leicester. In conclusion, the results indicated that a moral panic connected to paedophilia is very present in our contemporary society.
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Suicidal behaviour constitutes a serious public as well as mental health problem all over the world. Many developed countries have done away with the legal provision of punishing attempted suicides. However, in India this continues to be a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code (1833). This review discusses the various issues related to criminalizing suicide and their implications.