Re: M.O.
Posted by R. Berg on November 01, 2002 In Reply to: Re:
patterns of behavio(u)r posted by ESC on November 01, 2002
: : : : : Patterns of behavior are entirely separate from modus operandi.
:
: : : : M/o is limited to the actual criminal act. A B&E man's M/O might include
cutting the backdoor screen and taking the silverware. The fact that he defecates
on the living room rug every time is not part of his m/o - it is a behavior unrelated
to the crime at hand, burglary/theft.
: : : : Cutting a screen is nevertheless
an instance of behavior.
: : : Main Entry: mo·dus ope·ran·di
: : : Pronunciation:
"mO-d&s-"ä-p&-'ran-dE, -"dI
: : : Function: noun
: : : Inflected Form(s):
plural mo·di operandi /'mO-"dE-, 'mO-"dI-/
: : : Etymology: New Latin
:
: : Date: 1654
: : : : a method of procedure; especially : a distinct pattern
or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal
in more than one crime
: : : Given that dictionary definition, the rug pooper's
habit helps establish his distinct (stinc-y?) pattern.
: : Hmmm. I have to disagree
mildly with the statement that "patterns of behavior are entirely separate from
modus operandi". I think that they're not unrelated, but it's just that modi operandi
are a subset of behaviour patterns - a subset that is solely involved with achieving
the goal or purpose of the crime (or deed).
: : In th case of the rug-despoiling
burglar referred to above, I'd agree that fouling the carpet is strictly speaking
*not* part of his modus operandi, presuming that financial gain was his only goal.
However, if some psychotic anarchic activist took it upon himself to break into
a number of houses on Rodeo Drive for the express purpose of vandalising them
in some misguided effort to show his disapproval of capitalism, then, if he invariably
pooped on the shag-pile, that *would* be part of his modus operandi.
: "She
always starts a big argument then storms out of the room. That's her MO." I've
heard the phrase used that way. It sounds like a pattern of behavior to me.
The
definition in Webster's Second Unabridged is simply "Manner or mode of operating
or working."
|