Resources-- No Discussion

[Faith]

Fox News Videos
http://www.foxnews.com/video/

The Today Show Videos
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12065856/

CNN Videos
http://www.cnn.com/video/?iref=videoglobal

Google Videos on Caylee
http://video.google.com/videosearch?num=20&hl=en&safe=off&q=nancy%20grace%20videos&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=caylee%20anthony%20video&hl=en

Great Video search site
http://www.truveo.com/
For Caylee
http://www.truveo.com/search.php?query=Caylee+Anthony&uqs=

MSNBC Transcripts
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3719710/

[Faith]

www.orlandosentinel.com

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/

http://www.local6.com/index.html

http://www.wesh.com/news/16999401/detail.html

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/myfox/pages/News?pageId=3.1

http://www.zimbio.com/Caylee+Anthony

http://www.wftv.com/news/index.html

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Orange/Default.aspx

[Faith]

A page on OCSO to facilitate the timely flow of information that pertains to the Caylee Anthony investigation between the Sheriff’s Office and the news media.

http://www.ocso.com/Default.aspx?tabid=547

[Faith]

A page on OCSO to facilitate the timely flow of information that pertains to the Caylee Anthony investigation between the Sheriff’s Office and the news media.

http://www.ocso.com/Default.aspx?tabid=547

[Faith]

MSNBC VIDEOS (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25780342#25801913)

[ReddCurrlz]

LISTEN LIVE ONLINE WITH NEWS 13 IN ORLANDO (http://www.cfnews13.com/Services/ListenLive/Default.aspx)

[Faith]

Search Court Documents (http://www.myorangeclerk.com/myclerk)

[Faith]

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/candle.gifLight a candle for Cayleehttp://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/candle.gif (http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=HFTM)

[Faith]

Orlando Sentinel Video's on Caylee's Case

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/video/?slug=orl-wn-caylee-marie-anthony

[awakening2lite]

State of Florida Bond information


How Bail Works
Posting of a bail bond. This process involves a contractual undertaking guaranteed by a bail agent and the individual posting bail. The bail agent guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear in court each and every time the judge requires them to.

For this service, the defendant is charged a percentage of the bail amount. Before being released the defendant or a relative or friend of the defendant, typically contacts a bail agent to arrange for the posting of bail. Prior to the posting of a bail bond, the defendant or a co-signer must guarantee that they will pay the full amount of bail if the defendant does not appear in court.

Typically, a family member or a close friend of the defendant will post bail and cosign. Collateral is not always required for a person to be bailed from jail. Often a person can be bailed from jail on the signature of a friend or family member. Cosigners typically need to be working and either own or rent a home in the same area for some time.

After an agreement is reached, the bail agent posts a bond for the amount of the bail, to guarantee the defendant’s return to court.

If the defendant "skips", the cosigner is immediately responsible for the full amount of the bail. If the defendant is located and arrested by the bail agent the cosigner is responsible for all expenses the bail agent incurs while looking for the defendant, apprehending and transportation.

How much does it cost?

In most states the typical premium on a bond is 10% of the face amount of the bond (example a $10,000.oo bond the premium would be $1,000.oo) but could be higher or lower depending on your state and other factors.

Federal bail bond premiums typically are set at 15%.

Immigration bail bond premiums typically range from 15-20%.


What is acceptable collateral for a bail bond ?

Acceptable collateral for a bail bond is anything of real value that can be pledged, assigned, encumbered, conveyed or tendered over to the bail bondsman to be used as security for a bail bond. Typically a real property such as vacant land or a home is used. Cars, boats, planes, jewelry, stocks, bonds, cash are also accepted collateral. for small bonds one or two co-signers is sufficient security as collateral.

After the court has discharged the bail bond usually at the end of the case and you have submitted proof that the bond is over the bail bondsman will return your collateral typically within 30 days.

Type of Bonds

Surety Bond
This process is a contractual undertaking, which involves a bail bondsperson, an indemnitor, and the court. The courts tend to favor this form of release, because it guarantees that if the defendant fails to appear in court, someone (the bail agent) will make an immediate effort to find the defendant, apprehend him or her, and bring him or her back to the court of proper jurisdiction. By involving family and friends of the defendant, a bail bondsperson and the courts are reasonably assured of the defendant's appearance.


Cash Bail
Cash bail means that the person who is trying to obtain the release of the defendant must deliver the full amount of bail in cash to the jail facility where the defendant is being detained.

Property Bonds
Property bonds involve the placing of local real estate (homes only, no raw land or out-of-state homes) with the courts as security for the release of a defendant. This process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, because it requires a judge's approval, a property appraisal, a comparable sales comparison, and the clerk's acceptance. However, most states do not accept property bonds.


ROR
Release on One's Own Recognizance is another method of release. It is given to defendants who have been in the community for many years, have solid jobs, strong family and community ties, and present little or no risk of flight. This release program is usually administered by a county agency or through a local law enforcement agency. A criminal history background check is performed, and a recommendation is given to the court based on those findings. This form of release is common only for first-time offenders and non-violent offenses. Since there is no financial or other security placed with the court to insure the defendant's return to court, there is little incentive for them to appear.

ELMO and Pre-trial Services
ELMO stands for Electronic Monitor, and it is usually a condition of release in addition to a regular bail bond. The ELMO program is administered either by the local Pre-trial Services Agency or the local law enforcement agency. This device is usually in the form of an ankle bracelet. It sets off an alarm if a person strays too far from its base located within the defendant's home.

source: http://www.miamibailbondsman.com/bail-bond-faq.htm

[awakening2lite]

Brevard County Florida, Clerk of the Court answers:

Q4:
What is a bail bond?

A4:


A bail bond is a document which assures to the court that a person charged with an offense and who typically is in jail, will, if released from incarceration appear for future court dates and remain in the jurisdiction of the court.

For example, if a person is charged with violating the law and is taken into custody by law enforcement, that person will be held in jail until they can see a judge. The judge will decide the amount and type of the bond based on the gravity of the charges and/or the prior record of the defendant. It is also possible that the judge may order the defendant released without requiring a bail bond.

There are very specific charges that a defendant may be able to bond out on without the necessity of seeing a judge. One example of this is an arrest as the result of a bench warrant. The amount of the bond may have been set at the time the bench warrant was signed by the judge. Another example is those charges that have a bond schedule established.

Generally speaking, 2 types of bail bonds are utilized. A surety bond is a written guarantee by a bonding company ensuring the appearance of a defendant for all future court dates. A surety bond is an independent agreement between the defendant and the bonding company. Normally the defendant is required by the bonding company to deposit with them a nonrefundable percentage of the overall bond amount. The bonding company is essentially providing the court with an insurance policy that the defendant will appear in court and is then liable for the full amount of the bond if the defendant does not appear.

If the defendant fails to appear for court, the bond can be forfeited by the judge. Once the defendant is re-arrested for the failure to appear, they will be required to go through the bonding process again, attempting to bond out on the initial charge, and the failure to appear charge. It is possible for the bonding company to produce the defendant and request the judge to waive the forfeiture. The defendant will still be required to post a bond, if any, on the failure to appear charge.

After the case has been disposed by the court the surety bond will be released and a certificate of discharge will be sent to the bonding company by the Clerk's office.

The other type of bond traditionally used is a cash bond. If a cash bond is ordered by the judge, the total amount of the bond will have to be posted with the jail before the defendant will be released. If for any reason the defendant fails to appear for court, the judge presiding over the case may forfeit the bond. The money will then be held in a special forfeiture fund pending any orders issued by the judge.

If a cash bond is posted, after the case has been disposed by the court, the cash bond will be returned to the party who posted the bond. However, the judge may order the deduction of any fine amounts from the cash bond. Once the judge releases the bond, the Clerk's office will prepare a check, minus any judicially ordered deductions and mail it to the appropriate party within 10 days of receipt of the judges order.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 903.286, any cash bond posted on or after 07/01/2005 will be applied to any upaid court fees, court costs, and criminal penalties. It does not matter who posted the bond for the defendant. If the defendant has any unpaid criminal fees, court costs, or penalties, the bond will be applied to those obligations. Any funds remaining after all of the above noted fees are paid will be refunded to the depositor.

source: http://199.241.8.125/index.cfm?FuseAction=Criminal.FAQs#60

[awakening2lite]

Florida does not allow bounty hunters.

* Apprehension of bail fugitives is only allowed as set forth in FS 648.30(2)&(3):
* (2) No person shall represent himself or herself to be a bail enforcement agent, bounty hunter, or other similar title in [Florida].
* (3) No person, other than a certified law enforcement officer, shall be authorized to apprehend, detain, or arrest a principal on a bond, wherever issued, unless that person is qualified, licensed, and appointed as provided in this chapter or licensed as a bail bond agent by the state where the bond was written.
* Violation of this is a 3rd class felony. [FS 648.30(4)].




source: http://www.americanbailcoalition.com/Bail%20Laws/Florida%20Bail%20Laws.htm

[awakening2lite]

States eliminating free lance bounty hunters, but allowing full time "runners" who work for 1 bond agent at a time.

1. Florida

All bail runners must be licensed, and work only for one bond agent (i.e., eliminating free lance bounty hunters), be over 18, a resident of the state, have no criminal record, and pass a certification course, Fla. Stat. § 648.37. One cannot make an arrest on an out of state bond unless the person is licensed in the state or the state where the bond was written. Fla. Stat. § 648.30.



source: http://www.americanbailcoalition.com/new_html/Bounty%20Hunter%20Laws.htm

[awakening2lite]

Florida Bail Bondsman &
Bail Bonds Regulations
FLORIDA STATUTES 2000 - CHAPTER 903

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0903/titl0903.htm&StatuteYear=2005&Title=-%3E2002-%3EChapter%20903

[Faith]

Video search site
http://www.rootv.com/?vxChannel=Fox+National+News&vxClipId=2176_080814-122258_081408_keating_caylee_B1200

[awakening2lite]

EXCERPT

648.33 Bail bond rates.--
(1) Bail bond rates are subject to the provisions of part I of chapter 627 of the insurance code.
(2) It is unlawful for a bail bond agent to execute a bail bond without charging a premium therefor, and the premium rate may not exceed or be less than the premium rate as filed with and approved by the office.
(3) Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/...n%2033#0648.33

This is the law which backs up the statement made by The Dog regarding the requirements of the fee being charged for the defendant to acquire a bond.

[awakening2lite]

http://research.lawyers.com/Florida/Criminal-Process-in-Florida.html

Speedy Trial

You have a right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which requires that the trial be held within a certain time frame after a person has been charged with a crime.

This right can be waived by asking for additional time for the preparation of your defense.

Speedy trial rights in Florida:

* Speedy trial without demand: In most cases, a defendant will be brought to trial within 90 days of arrest if the crime is a misdemeanor, and within 175 days of arrest if the crime charged was a felony.
* Speedy trial with demand: With limited exceptions, every person charged with a crime has the right to demand a trial within 60 days. A felony is a crime usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is usually punishable by a fine or a year or less of incarceration.

[Jute]

Some DOJ statistics from 1976-2005

A parent is the perpetrator in most homicides of children under age 5

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/kidsrel.png

Click here to view data http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/tables/kidsreltab.htm

Note: Parents includes stepparents.

Of all children under age 5 murdered from 1976-2005 --

* 31% were killed by fathers
* 29% were killed by mothers
* 23% were killed by male acquaintances
* 7% were killed by other relatives
* 3% were killed by strangers

Of those children killed by someone other than their parent, 81% were killed by males.

Relationship, 1976-2005

Gender of
offender Parent .... Other family ....Friend/Acquaintance ....Stranger.... Unknown
Male ...... 5,273 ........757.................... 3,825............... 438 ...... 328
Female ......4,947 ........416 .................... 728 ............... 24 .... 101

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/children.htm

[Faith]

For anyone that hasn't seen Rick's post go here:

Mama Mouse posted everything from topix here:
http://groups.msn.com/CayleeMarieAnthonyCase/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=204&LastModified=4675686438041850045

Rick answers questions here:
http://groups.msn.com/CayleeMarieAnthonyCase/general.msnw?action=get_message&ID_Message=228&ShowDelete=0&CDir=-2

Than Last Nights Greta 8/22/08

http://media2.foxnews.com/thumbnails/i/082308/082208_otr_padilla_90x70.jpg (http://www.foxnews.com/ontherecord/caylee/index.html#) Exclusive New Info on Casey (http://www.foxnews.com/ontherecord/caylee/index.html#)

Did Casey Anthony steal from her grandfather, keep her pregnancy with Caylee a secret?

__________________

Rick is Cindy's brother for anyone that doesn't know.

ETA- Rick hasn't posted since 8/20/2008. A blogger hooked him up with Greta's producer that night.

__________

[Faith]

Webcam at the Anthony home.

http://media.myfoxorlando.com/live/mobilecam2.html

[Jute]

Xanax - Symptoms of overdose (Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.)

Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose of benzodiazepines may be especially dangerous in children.

Confusion (continuing); convulsions (seizures); drowsiness (severe) or coma; shakiness; slow heartbeat; slow reflexes; slurred speech (continuing); staggering; troubled breathing; weakness (severe)

http://www.drugs.com/cons/xanax.html
--
XANAX SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Xanax usually go away with continued usage. Common side effects of Xanax may include upset stomach, agitation, abnormal involuntary movement, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased or increased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation (too frequent or too deep breathing), inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, irritability, lack of or decreased coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, painful menstruation, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sedation, sexual dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss.

Rare side effects of Xanax may include Abnormal muscle tone, arm or leg pain, concentration difficulties, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, hot flushes, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, joint pain, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasm, rage, seizures, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, weakness in muscle and bone, yellow eyes and skin.

CHILDREN
Xanax is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

XANAX OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Xanax overdose may include confusion, coma, impaired coordination, sleepiness, slowed reaction time. An overdose of Xanax can be fatal especially if combined with alcohol.

http://www.themedicine.net/drugs/xanax.html

[Faith]

WESH alternate video player.

http://www.wesh.com/video_legacy/index.html

[Faith]

Tour inside the jail

http://www.truveo.com/Get-a-tour-of-what-the-jails-video-visitation/id/1529960724

[Faith]

Police & Fire Scanner http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=13057

Orange County Sheriff Codes http://home.cfl.rr.com/scanner/orancode.htm

[Audie]

If a password is reqd to get in a website and you don't want to register, you can go here to see if there are any logins you can use to get in. Just type in the address and click on Get Logins. I haven't used it in awhile so ...

http://www.bugmenot.com/

eta: Pauli or other Mods, if you find this inappropriate, go ahead and delete. I also put it in the links thread. We used it some, while watching trials at CTV, awhile back and had no problems.

[Faith]

http://www.webwiseforradio.com/site_files/351/Image/wndblocal.jpg (http://www.wndb.am/)

[Faith]

Cindy's brother, Ricks, blog.

http://humbleopinion.wordpress.com/people-who-know-the-anthonys/#comment-4227

[chambord]

Casey's case is now being cited in a Judicial campaign. Expect Cindy to run with this to the nearest media that will have her.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-judge3008oct30,0,2219087.story

[Faith]

Hat Tip Madhater

Documents & Discovery


http://cayleeanthony.wordpress.com/documents-discovery/

[Grins]

FBI Site:

"Hairs, Fibers,
Crime, and Evidence

Part 1: Hair Evidence

Douglas W. Deedrick

Unit Chief
Trace Evidence Unit
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, DC

"...When a hair exhibits the same microscopic characteristics as hairs in the known hair sample, a qualifying statement may be added to the report. This statement may read as follows:

Hair comparisons are not a basis for absolute personal identification. It should be noted, however, that because it is unusual to find hairs from two different individuals that exhibit the same microscopic characteristics, a microscopic association or match is the basis for a strong association..."

"...The range of opinions concerning hair examinations includes:

Nothing about hair is comparable to the specificity of
fingerprints, and at best, the probability of establishing
identification from hair is no greater than the probability of determining identification using the ABO blood group system;


Research studies have shown that hairs from
two individuals are distinguishable; that no accidental
or coincidental matches occurred; and that such accidental or coincidental matches would, in actual casework, be a relatively rare event; and


The significance of a hair match is a median point between the above statements.
It has also been stated that hair evidence is only of value when used in conjunction with other evidence..."

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2000/deedric1.htm

[Grins]

FBI Site:

"
Forensic Human Hair Examination Guidelines

Scientific Working Group on Materials Analysis (SWGMAT)

Introduction | Referenced Documents | Terminology | Duties, Qualifications, and Training
Summary | Significance and Use | Sample Collection | Equipment
Microscopical Examination | Hair Characteristics | DNA | Analytical Techniques
Documentation | Conclusions | Report Writing, Review, and Testimony
Quality Assurance and Proficiency Testing | Bibliography

'''
4.3. Similarity

In order to conclude that two hair samples could share a common origin, it must be determined that there are no significant macroscopic or microscopic differences. It is important to determine what differences are significant because no two hairs are exactly the same in every detail (identical). It must be determined that the characteristics exhibited by the questioned sample fit in the range of characteristics present in the other sample (typically the known sample). The ideal situation is to find one or more hairs in the known sample that correspond in all respects (no significant differences) with the questioned hair.

Microscopical examination of hair does not lead to unique identification of the donor. Therefore, when a hair examiner gives an opinion that a questioned hair is similar to a known hair sample, an attempt must be made to interpret the significance and weight that should be attached to this opinion.

The presence of some types of hair characteristics may add weight to a conclusion of similarity. Examples include the following:

* Presence of similar dyes or hair cosmetics.

* Presence of unusual hair characteristics, such as natural red hair color or hair abnormalities.

* Presence of similar hair damage.

Other hair characteristics may weaken a conclusion of similarity. Some examples include the following:

* Hairs are featureless and lack pigmentation characteristics.

* Hairs are too dark to see many of the microscopical hair characteristics.

* Hairs are very short in length, limiting the number of characteristics that can be used for comparison.

* Known hair sample has a large intrasample variation.

14.4. Inconclusive

The results of a microscopical hair comparison can be inconclusive. Situations when an inconclusive result may be reached include but are not limited to the following:

* An inadequate known hair sample.

* Questioned and known hair samples that exhibit similarities and unexplained dissimilarities.

* Hairs that do not exhibit sufficient distinguishing microscopical characteristics (e.g., broken, fragmented, too short, colorless, opaque).

* A significant lapse of time exists between the collection of the known sample and when the questioned hair was shed.

14.5 Reference

Gaudette, B. D. Evidential value of hair examination. In: Forensic Examination of Hair. Taylor and Francis, London, 1999, pp. 243-257..."

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/april2005/standards/2005_04_standards02.htm

[Faith]

Good Reference site-

http://www.mahalo.com/George_Anthony

[Jute]

Sociopaths Like Cho Seung - What makes them tick?

by Dr. K. Dillard

The shootings at Virginia Tech remind us of other senseless massacres and of insane killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson. We are both repelled and disgusted by these cold blooded murders and also strangely curious about them. We try to imagine how could they do these things? What goes on in their mind? How are they so different from the rest of us?

Psychiatrists tell us that these people are different from the rest of us. They are called sociopaths, or antisocial personalities.

The American Psychiatric Association defines a sociopath as follows:

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of regard for the moral or legal standards in the local culture. There is a marked inability to get along with others or abide by societal rules. Individuals with this disorder are sometimes called psychopaths or sociopaths.

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-IV)

1. Since the age of fifteen there has been a disregard for and violation of the right's of others, those right's considered normal by the local culture, as indicated by at least three of the following:

* A. Repeated acts that could lead to arrest.
* B. Conning for pleasure or profit, repeated lying, or the use of aliases.
* C. Failure to plan ahead or being impulsive.
* D. Repeated assaults on others.
* E. Reckless when it comes to their or others safety.
* F. Poor work behavior or failure to honor financial obligations.
* G. Rationalizing the pain they inflict on others.

2. At least eighteen years in age.

3. Evidence of a Conduct Disorder, with its onset before the age of fifteen.

4. Symptoms not due to another mental disorder.

This definition doesn't quite tell the whole story, though. Sociopaths are often disguised as ordinary, even likable people; but a closer look at their lives shows that they often cause heartbreak and catastrophe to anyone who makes the fatal error of getting close to them.

People with this disorder appear to be charming at times, and make relationships, but to them, these are relationships in name only. They are ended whenever necessary or when it suits them, and the relationships are without depth or meaning, including marriages. They seem to have an innate ability to find the weakness in people, and are ready to use these weaknesses to their own ends through deceit, manipulation, or intimidation, and gain pleasure from doing so.

In short, sociopaths are like a person who lives inside a room full of mirrors. They are motivated by their own needs and feelings and only interact with other individuals as a means to gaining something that they feel they need. They have no regard for the other person's feelings or consequences beyond their own personal goals.

Romantically, they can be charming, give flattering comments and do little favors and give apparent undivided attention -- all the activities that we usually associate with someone who is kind and loving. But these are just learned behavior -- a means to an end -- and disguise the fact that the sociopath has no feeling of empathy or love, as most people know it.

Taken to the extreme, a sociopath is capable of murder, rape and violence. They can beat up an old woman, abuse a child or kill students in a classroom with calm, calculating precision. They simply do not feel the sense of right or wrong, or compassion. To the sociopath, these concepts are intellectual -- not emotional.

Psychopathic killers, however, are not mad, according to accepted legal and psychiatric standards. Their acts result not from a deranged mind but from a cold, calculating rationality combined with a chilling inability to treat others as thinking, feeling human beings. Such morally incomprehensible behavior, exhibited by a seemingly normal person, leaves us feeling bewildered and helpless.
Dr. Robert D. Hare
Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

So how do people get this way?

The causes of this sociopathic disorder have been narrowed to several factors through research. One of the primary causes of sociopathic behavior is believed to be neurological abnormalities mainly in the frontal lobe [Left] of the brain.

This area of the brain is responsible for "self-control, planning, judgment, the balance of individual versus social needs, and many other essential functions underlying effective social intercourse".

This area is also related to fear conditioning. The abnormal anatomy or chemical activity within this area of the brain may be caused by abnormal growth (possibly genetic), brain disease, or injury. This theory has been supported by much research using positron emission tomography (PET) which visually shows the metabolic activity of neurons within the brain.

A second factor believed to be partially responsible for the sociopathic disorder in some cases is the primary socialization of individuals within dysfunctional environments, such as abusive, poorly educated, or poverty stricken homes.

For years, this was thought to be the primary cause of sociopathy. But as knowledge has increased in the area of neuroscience, it has been realized that this is possibly only a secondary cause. Therefore, it can be said that the type of brain the sociopath was born with and/or the environment in which it was nourished forms the sociopath (Andreasen, 1984).

But this conclusion is not without controversy. Brain growth and changes can occur in the developing human because of environmental and social factors. The fact that abnormal physical changes have been found in the brains of sociopaths does not mean that they were born this way. Things like not having a father during pre-adolescence or of being raised by non-loving parents or foster parents can cause a re-organization of brain functions and structural changes that are evident in adulthood.

The lack of loving parents has been shown to have sociopathic consequences in primate studies. Further, these characteristics appear to be transmitted from one generation to another, as sociopaths lack the capacity to love their own offspring.

An estimated 3% of all adult males have this sociopathic disorder. (The antisocial personality disorder is uncommon among women.) Only a small fraction of this percentage actually develop into violent criminals. Most sociopathic individuals are able to control their disorder within the boundaries of social tolerability.

They are considered only 'socially obnoxious' or hateful personalities, and every one of us knows of someone who fits the description. Corrupt and callous politicians, social or career fast climbers, authoritarian leaders, abusing and aggressive persons, etc., are among them.

A common characteristic is that they engage systematically in deception and manipulation of others for personal gain. In fact, many successful and adapted non-violent sociopaths can be found in our society. An NIMH epidemiologic study reported that only 47% of those who met the SPD criteria had a significant arrest record. The most relevant events for these persons occur in the area of job problems, domestic violence, traffic offenses,and severe marital difficulties.

More easily recognized and studied are the sociopathic individuals with histories of violent criminal behavior. As much as 15-25% of society's inmate population show many traits of this disorder. It is these incarcerated individuals as well as individuals in mental institutions on which most of the research on antisocial personality disorder is based.

The sociopath could be the intelligent and very successful businessman that goes home each night and abuses his family. He could be the temperamental man that visits the bar regularly and who often gets into brawls.

Is there a cure for sociopathy?

Sadly, no. Because there is no cure for adult sociopathy, the only useful option is prevention. Child psychiatrist Jack Westman estimates that each typical sociopath will cost society $3 million over the course of his lifetime, yet society does virtually nothing to address this condition. Further, as we develop more technologies like television the internet and video games, sociopaths become empowered to develop their anti-social behaviors without the personal contact that contributes to healthy socialization.

In the case of the Virginia Tech shooter, Cho Seung, we see how clearly the medical and mental health system failed to handle this blatant example of sociopathic behavior. Described as a "loner" with a violent obsession, Cho had all the characteristics of an individual who was in his own world, surrounded by his own unmet desires and goals and frustrated by his lack of social skills. His anger at father figures, authority and successful people further caused him to withdraw inward. In the end, his lack of emotion allowed him to commit the mass murders and to do the ultimate act of denial -- his own self-preservation.

Anti-psychotic medications and the new class of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are often prescribed for sociopathic personalities that are wrongly diagnosed as being depressed. Prozac and Zoloft have been implicated in exacerbating the violence of sociopaths by further eliminating the emotional consequences of acting on dangerous impulses.

What should be done?

We need to address this problem from many sides. Poverty, although a contributing factor in "loveless" childhoods, is not the primary factor. Many loving and moral people come from impoverished environments. Many times, this environment contributes to an individual's character. The main problem seems to be in the process of parenting itself.

Parenting class should be mandatory curriculum in our schools.

We teach many things in our schools: carpentry, housekeeping and cooking, computer skills... These are all great for future employment. But what do we teach about being a good parent? Perhaps a mandatory curriculum in our schools should include exposure to the benefits of loving and caring parental skills. This type of exposure to "parental psychology" might prevent future sociopaths and it also might alter budding sociopaths before their neurological hardware becomes hardwired for a life of emotionless pain.

http://www.viewzone.com/soc.frontal.jpg

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