Homicide and violent delinquency in France: An overview framed within an international context

In this article, homicides in France are examined and framed within an international context. Homicide, given its association with other forms of criminality and delinquency, is an excellent index to employ in examining rates of increase in violent acts in France. Homicides in France often occur in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, minors are infrequently implicated in homicides. Several factors are proposed to explain the relatively low rate of homicides in France. Finally, France's penal response to homicide is examined in terms of its potential braking effect on the rate of homicides committed. Accounting for the overall pattern of delinquency and criminality within an international context, it could be hypothesized that in France, relative to other nations, forms of violent delinquency have taken the place of homicidal acts.