RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
MEDIA AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Relationship
“The public’s image of criminality is significantly shaped by what they see and hear in the media. This gives the media an important role in how behavior becomes defined as criminal and what policies are developed to respond to these behaviors. Further, it has been established that there is a significant relationship between the media, the criminal justice system, and crime and justice policies” (Kampe, 2020).
In today’s world, media messages are everywhere; and they are not impartial, understated social agents that provide entertainment or news. “This means that citizens cannot avoid the media and their construction of reality regarding crime and criminal justice policy. Often, the media shows a distorted image of crime and the criminal justice system’s response. This media- defined image often impacts criminal justice policy through alterations in individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors” (Kampe, 2020).
Examples:
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Drug policy (marijuana and the “war on drugs”)
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Moral panics
Created by: Dr. Kimberly Kampe
Updated
July 31, 2021
