PSYCHOLOGY OF SERIAL KILLER VIS-À-VIS THE PLEA OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFECT

Abstract

In order to understand a serial killer, reference should be made to the biological, psychological and socio cultural elements which contributed to the heinous and violent crimes they ultimately committed. As that such behavioural deviation if spotted at an early stage then psychological counseling could help a child in such a way that they could even refrain from committing crimes in adulthood; as many of the violent ideas stems from issues faced at a young age. Not much stress is laid on the fact that serial killers act in such gruesome manners due to mixture of their nature and nurture. The plea of psychological defect would offer an opportunity to such criminals who are the victim of their own mind to reform and rehabilitate. Thus, the study proposes on reformation of such offenders and not considering incarceration as the only form of punishment. The research paper relied mainly on doctrinal method whereby the researcher referred to primary sources such as books, case laws, relevant publications and literature.

KEYWORDS: Serial Killer; Legal Insanity; Medical Insanity; Psychological Defect; Death Penalty.