STITCH AND SEW: THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL RESOURCES UPON CRIMINALLY INDUCED LETHALITY

Abstract

One theoretical explanation for the consistently high Southern homicide rates is that the South constitutes a “regional culture of violence.” Although this perspective has not garnered much empirical support, sound theoretical alternatives have not emerged. The present study attempts to fill this gap by suggesting that emergency medical services are an overlooked intervening influence in the production of homicide and aggravated battery rates. Analysis of data from the 67 counties in Florida provides some support for the notion that the differential distribution of medical resources is partially responsible for variation in criminally induced lethality rates