Send us a text

The term "sadistic killer" traces back to the Marquis de Sade, an 18th-century French nobleman whose criminal actions and controversial writings initiated an entire psychological classification now used in profiling serial murderers.

• Criminal justice defines sadistic killers as offenders who derive sexual gratification from inflicting pain and suffering
• The FBI's classification identifies specific patterns including captivity, torture, and careful planning
• The Marquis de Sade's notorious crimes included imprisoning, torturing, and sexually assaulting multiple victims
• His philosophical writings advocated for pursuing pleasure without moral restraints
• Notable works like "The 120 Days of Sodom" blended graphic depictions with complex philosophical arguments
• The term "sadism" was coined in 1886 by psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing
• Several notorious serial killers have been influenced by Sade's writings, including Ian Brady of the Moors Murders
• The concept raises philosophical questions about consent, harm, and where society draws moral boundaries

If you're enjoying our podcast, please follow, rate, or subscribe on your preferred platform. Downloads help our growth, so share with friends, family, or coworkers through word of mouth or social media. Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com for show notes and more information.

www.deviantcriminology.com

Send us a text

Probation and parole represent distinct forms of criminal supervision in the United States, each with its own purpose and impact on millions of Americans caught in the justice system. We explore the key differences between these alternative sentencing approaches and trace their evolution from the 1840s to today's complex implementation challenges.

• Probation functions as punishment itself, allowing offenders to remain in the community under supervision rather than going to prison
• Parole operates as a reward system, providing early release for prisoners who demonstrate rehabilitation
• John Augustus, a Boston cobbler, pioneered probation by bailing out minor offenders and helping them find jobs in the 1840s
• The term "parole" comes from the French word for "word of honor" and began in New York's corrections system in the 1870s
• Approximately 3.6 million Americans are on probation and 878,000 on parole according to most recent data
• Supervision systems face significant challenges including inadequate resources, overwhelming caseloads, and racial disparities
• Nearly half of state prison admissions result from probation and parole violations rather than new crimes
• Dual diagnosis (concurrent substance use and mental health disorders) requires specialized treatment often unavailable to those on supervision
• Technology like ignition interlocks and electronic monitoring plays an increasing role in supervision systems
• Evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral interventions show promise for improving outcomes and reducing recidivism

Download our episodes and tell your friends about Deviant Criminology to help us grow! Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com or find us on social media.

www.deviantcriminology.com

Send us a text

We delve into the notorious 1849 case of Dr. John White Webster, the Harvard professor who murdered fellow academic Dr. George Parkman over a $2,400 debt and dismembered his body at the medical school.

• Boston in the early 19th century provided the backdrop for a shocking academic murder
• Webster, educated at Harvard with further training in London, struggled financially despite his prestigious position
• Dr. George Parkman, worth approximately $370 million in today's currency, loaned Webster money which he couldn't repay
• Harvard janitor Ephraim Littlefield discovered human remains in Webster's laboratory after breaking through walls and a privy floor
• The sensational trial attracted 60,000 spectators with courtroom seating rotated every 10 minutes
• First US case to use dental evidence for identification in a murder trial
• Webster was executed in 1850 despite questions about the fairness of his trial and possible alternative suspects
• The case continues to fascinate crime historians due to its academic setting and forensic significance

If you're enjoying our podcast, please follow, rate, and subscribe wherever you listen. Visit our website at www.deviantcriminology.com for background information, show notes, and references. Find us on social media at Deviant Criminology on Facebook and @deviant_criminology on Instagram.

www.deviantcriminology.com