Adolescent homicide and family pathology: implications for research and treatment with adolescents.

The origins of serious violence in adolescents has been of concern throughout the century. The number of felony-murder convictions of adolescents on death row in the United States is arguably a warning beacon about the serious nature of juvenile homicide. This article reviews the research on adolescent homicide and highlights significant family variables. The contributions of a family studies perspective for understanding adolescent homicide is discussed and implications suggested.