Problems of Forensic Sciences 2000 Vol. 44 (XLIV) 140-153
A HOMICIDE WITHOUT MOTIVES? AN ANALYSIS OF THE CASE OF JUVENILE TADEUSZ B.
Alicja CZEREDERECKA, Małgorzata KOWANETZ
Institute of Forensic Research, Cracow
Streszczenie
On the basis of an analysis of the case of Tadeusz B., the authors present the possibilities of using psychological expertise in the evaluation of juvenile statements. The first part includes a description of the circumstances of the case and the testimonies of the minor – encompassing different versions of his participation in the homicide. Part two presents successive stages of the construction of the psychological report concerning the juvenile statement. Part three contains reflections on the possibilities and limitations of such expert report. These (possibilities and limitations) depend on, among other things, the aim and range of the expertise (as requested by the court), and problems faced by the expert psychologist when considering motives for varying testimonies given by a suspect/perpetrator, and also when deliberating over the general motivation of a perpetrator.
Słowa kluczowe
Minors; Homicide; Suspect’s statement; Motivation of a perpetrator.