The Correlation of Psychopathy in Children & Adolescents and the Commission of Violent Crimes

“ In the United States, there continues to be a distinct demographic that commits violent crimes.  In past decade adults have made up the majority of individuals who have committed violent crimes. Recently children and adolescents with psychopathic characteristics have been in the spotlight due to committing various violent crimes.  In regards to this quantitative study, archived data will be reviewed on 50 children between the ages of 7-17.  The archived data will be examined from the Guilford County, North Carolina Juvenile Detention Center and two local mental health agencies to ascertain the correlation between psychopathic characteristics and the possibility of commit-ting criminal acts. This study will provide a foundation for children and adolescents with psychopathic characteristics, which will lead to increased research with regards to this vulnerable population.  Most importantly, this study will enhance the minimal research in the area of child and adolescent psychopathy, which will lead to increased research and treatment for this population."