Discussion 1

Watch The PCL-R Checklist: A measure of evil. Discuss the characteristics and traits of a psychopath and how the PCL-R Checklist can be used to diagnose psychopathy. Using the textbook, video, and other outside scholarly sources, discuss the validity of the PCL-R Checklist, the ethical considerations of diagnosing a psychopath, and the legal implications of such diagnoses. Do you believe that such assessments as the PCL-R Checklist can provide accurate predictions of an individual’s behavior? Based on the video and your readings, what do you think the prospects are of successfully rehabilitating a psychopath?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. Share your beliefs on the legal implications of utilizing assessments to predict psychopathic behavior. Discuss any rights that criminals may have with respect to such assessments.

Discussion 2

Differentiating between serial murders, spree murders, and mass murders can be difficult, as some individuals fit into two or more categories. Compare and contrast the characteristics of a serial murderer, spree murderer, and mass murderer. Using web resources, provide a criminal example of each one and discuss the motivations behind the crime(s). Are the motivations similar or different across the three? Do you think psychopathy plays a role in all murders?