Criminal Justice System
The Relationship between the Media and the Criminal Justice System
The modern mass media, an all-encompassing body to which contemporary western society stringently relies upon as a source of information, is the major outlet to which the masses are able to readily and easily access news and current events, regardless of the location or the time in which it occurs throughout the world (Mutz, 1989). Whilst strictly, the media may only suggest an opinion for an individual to uptake, constant reiteration of a specific viewpoint from numerous media outlets may eventually create doubts in even the most resilient minds, further emphasizing the vast influence of the media (Ericson, 1995). The vast majority of individuals lack the necessary knowledge …show more content…
and understanding surrounding the criminal justice system and as such, relies on the media as one of their few limited sources of information on the criminal justice system. Due to this, both true and false interpretations of the criminal justice system on television manipulate and affect the public’s values and opinions regarding the stereotypical appearance of what the common criminal appears and performs like (Reiner, 2007). The television also helps to form the public’s beliefs of the classic manner for resolving a crime and the way in which criminals ought to be scolded (Reid, 2012). Through the use of contemporary Australian examples and theoretical explanations, the relationship between the media and the criminal justice system will be further explored and examined.
According to Kidd-Hewitt (2002), the media portrays crime through the notion that crime is on the increase. The media suggests that aggressive crime is more widespread than it actually is and that sociopathic predators commit the majority of crimes. The media further suggests that the elderly, women and white individuals are the most frequent victims of crime and that the media portray crime as becoming increasingly random and more likely to be committed by strangers (Kidd-Hewitt, 2002).
According to Dowler, Fleming and Muzzati (2006), the media’s representation of crime frequently takes advantage of cultural stereotypes, particularly when coverage is on illegal offences by marginalized individuals. For example, even though the concern of household violence impinges upon a sizeable number of citizens all over Australia, broadcasted news media regularly describes it as solely a difficulty amongst non-Caucasian populations. Dowler, Fleming and Muzzati (2006) further conclude that adding to ethnic stereotypes, the depiction of criminality and oppression concerning marginal individuals receives much less coverage and awareness than that of white individuals.
In conjunction to what has been mentioned previously, the way in which the media portrays crime can be explored through a recent Australian example from September 2012. A public riot, which took place in the Sydney CBD as a means of protesting against an anti-Islamic film saw “violence erupt in central Sydney as hundreds of Muslims protested against a controversial film about the Prophet Mohammed” (Bashan, 2012). Generated by a YouTube video, the Sydney CBD was shook by a riotous encounter linking over one thousand protesters. According to Bashan (2012), the events that took place on this day presented disgracefully brutal pictures that appalled the countries citizens, as the police force were needed to utilise capsicum spray throughout the ongoing and uncontrolled protest with furious rioters. The media portrayed this event as extremely violent and warned residents to remain vigilant as the police were concerned that the violent behavior could occur once more, regardless of wishes and requests from the police force for both harmony and tranquility (Bashan, 2012). This example helps to reinforce the way in which the media exposes crime through their use of disturbing graphics, recorded videos and strong wording in many publications.
According to Heath and Gilbert (1996), the Australian culture is just one that is captivated by crime and justice. Heath and Gilbert (1996) believe that on a daily basis, individuals are frequently surrounded by crime talk, whether it is present through movies, novels, newspapers, publications, television shows or casual dialogue. Parker (1993) expresses the significance that the mass media occupies in the creation of criminality and the criminal justice system. Parker (1993) goes on to further explore how an individual’s observation and knowledge of victims, criminals, deviants and law enforcement officials is primarily established through their representation in the mass media.
The research of Huang and Vaughn (1996) concluded that public apprehension; fear of crime, moral panic and anxiety was indistinguishably associated with public force for the creation of explanations and resolution methods to solving crime problems. Further research of Huang and Vaughn (1996) was conducted to uncover the effects in which screening of crime news had on crime. Both researchers have established that screening of crime news enhances public strain for increased levels of successful police efforts and additional disciplinary approaches to crime (Huang & Vaughn, 1996).
In April 2013, news coverage was seen relating to a seventeen-year-old teenage girl having allegedly been gang raped in the Sydney suburb of Baulkham Hills (ABC News, 2013).
This allegation sent fear and anxiety throughout the Baulkham Hills region and police had encouraged all individuals to remain cautious and recommended for individuals to refrain from travelling alone at night. This example highlights the way in which the public responds to media reporting on crime and illustrates the possible fear and moral panic that can be caused amongst citizens who are at risk for repeated crime offences as victims. According to ABC News (2013), following a widespread investigation, the police have now established that the teenage girls statement was fictitious. As a result of this conclusion, the Commander of the Sex Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec has been able to inform the public of his relief, where he says, “relieved for the fact I can tell many parents and young people in the Hills District that it is safe to walk around there” (ABC News, 2013). This specific example is pertinent to the anxious way in which the public responds to the media’s reporting on crime. It is important to note that the mass media plays a vital role in the construction of criminality and the criminal justice system and directly influences the behaviour of most individuals (Kidd-Hewitt, …show more content…
2002).
Familiarity with crime reporting and the features impeding upon crime reporting behaviour is crucial for crime avoidance and management (Carcach, 1997). Crime reporting impacts upon criminal justice policies through a number of ways. Carcach (1997) believes that by identifying the most common criminal actions and behaviours, the development and subsequent implementation of criminal justice policies can be introduced to reduce the levels of these deviant crimes. According to Harlow (1985), through an increase in the numbers of crime reporting to the police, the amount and strength of criminal justice policies can be improved. Harlow (1985) outlines how these will in turn lead to reduced levels of criminal activities due to their heavy penalties, which follow them.
The general public, through their reporting actions of their crime encounters, initiates the criminal justice process. The criminal justice process then leads to the inquiry of the crime by the police, the examination and trial of the wrongdoer and the handing out of their resulting penalty (Townsend, 2013). On the other hand, the lack of reporting prevents admission to reimbursement schemes, allows for offending individuals to omit arrestment and reduces the potential to reach a more unbiased criminal justice system (Carcach, 1997).
From the 1st November 2012, the Government introduced new laws governing mobile phone usage in cars, which have been tightened as a means to assist in improving road safety and reduce the number of vehicle and mobile phone related road accidents (Herald Sun, 2012). Moses (2012) cites research from ATMA, which highlights, “crashing or having to take action to avoid a crash increased by twenty-three times when a driver took their eyes off the road to write or read text messages. Looking down to dial on a handheld phone increased the risk of a crash or near crash by three times”.
According to the RTA website (2012), the dangers of mobile phone usage include distracting beginner drivers and riders from the driving task. Research has uncovered that making use of a mobile phone whilst driving a vehicle is hazardous, as it reduces response times, impedes with a driver’s observation skills and enhances the likelihood of being involved in a crash or other related accident (RTA, 2012).
Therefore, it is beneficial to note that through crime reporting, the impact that criminal justice policies have on society is invaluable. Through recently found statistics, the impact of these new laws governing mobile phone usage whilst driving has highlighted a significant decline in road-related accidents due to mobile phone usage (RTA, 2012) and provides evidence for the positive effects on how crime reporting impacts upon criminal justice policies.
In conclusion, the criminal justice system and the media can be seen to work together in diverse arenas (Townsend, 2013).
The public’s dependence on the information and insight disseminated through the media, in response to procedures within the criminal justice system has drastically changed to a decline in assurance amongst society. The relationship between the media and the criminal justice system plays a vital role in society’s beliefs of the success and effectiveness of fairness. The public’s reliance on the media as a source of facts, knowledge and entertainment creates a discrepancy between goals chased and goals achieved. Nevertheless, the public carries on relying on the media as a way in which to comprehend and evaluate the criminal justice system (Townsend, 2013). The media portrays crime through a number of differing angles and perspectives and this allows for the public to respond in multiple ways in response to the media’s reporting on crime. Furthermore, crime reporting by individuals and society as a whole helps to impact upon the development and implementation of criminal justice
policies.
Reference List
ABC News, 2013. Teenage girl lied about gang rape, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-05/teenage-girl-lied-about-gang-rape/4611410>.
Bashan, Y. 2012, Arrests made after police officers injured at anti-Islamic film protest in Sydney CBD, The Daily Telegraph, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.news.com.au/national-news/nsw-act/police-use-pepper-spray-on-anti-islamic-film-protesters-in-sydney-at-the-us-consulate/story-fndo4bst-1226474744811>.
Carcach, C. 1997, ‘Reporting crime to the police’, Australian Institute of Criminology, No. 68, Australia, pp. 1-6.
Dowler, K., Fleming, T., & Muzzati, S. L. 2006. Constructing crime: Media, crime, and popular culture. Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, 48(6), 837-850.
Ericson, R. V 1995, ‘Crime and the Media’, British Journal of Criminology, vol. 31, no.3, pp. 219-249.
Harlow, C.W. 1985, Reporting Crimes to the Police: Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report NCJ-99432, US Government Printing Office, Washington DC.
Heath, L. and Gilbert, K. 1996. "Mass Media and Fear of Crime." American Behavioral Scientist 39:379-86.
Herald Sun, 2012. New mobile phone laws come into force today, News Limited newspapers, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/new-mobile-phone-laws-come-into-force-today/story-fndo317g-1226508352686>.
Huang, Wilson W.S. and Michael S. Vaughn. 1996. "Support and Confidence: Favorable Attitudes Toward the Police Correlates of Attitudes Toward the Police." In T.J. Flanagan and D.R. Longmire (eds) Americans View Crime and Justice: A National Public Opinion Survey. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
Kidd-Hewitt, D. 2002, ‘Crime and the Media: A Criminological Perspective’, in Jewkes. Y, Criminology: A Reader, 1st edn, Sage Publication Ltd, Thousand Oaks, CA, pp. 116-124.
Moses, A. 2012, New rules on mobile phones catch 780 drivers, The Sydney Morning Herald, viewed 1/05/2013, <http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/new-rules-on-mobile-phones-catch-780-drivers-20121114-29bg0.html>.
Mutz, D. C 1989, ‘The Influence Of Perceptions Of Media Influence: Third Person Effect And The Public Expressions Of Opinions’, International Journal of Public Opinion Research, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 3-23.
Parker, K. 1993, "Fear of Crime and the Likelihood of Victimization: A Bi-Ethnic Comparison Journal of Social Psychology 133: 723-732.
Reid, C. 2012, ‘Fact Sheet: Crime in the Media’, A European Association of Psychology and Law – Student Society Publication, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://itssimple.ca/forensicgroup/wp-content/uploads/Media-Crime.pdf>.
Reiner, R. 2007, ‘Media-made criminality: The representation of crime in the mass media, in The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Maguire, M. and Morgan, R, 4th ed, Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 221-242.
RTA website, 2012. Mobile phone use, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/driverdistractions/index.html>.
Townsend, C. 2013, ‘Interactions between the media and the criminal justice system’, The Western Australian Jurist, School of Law, Murdoch University.
The modern mass media, an all-encompassing body to which contemporary western society stringently relies upon as a source of information, is the major outlet to which the masses are able to readily and easily access news and current events, regardless of the location or the time in which it occurs throughout the world (Mutz, 1989). Whilst strictly, the media may only suggest an opinion for an individual to uptake, constant reiteration of a specific viewpoint from numerous media outlets may eventually create doubts in even the most resilient minds, further emphasizing the vast influence of the media (Ericson, 1995). The vast majority of individuals lack the necessary knowledge …show more content…
and understanding surrounding the criminal justice system and as such, relies on the media as one of their few limited sources of information on the criminal justice system. Due to this, both true and false interpretations of the criminal justice system on television manipulate and affect the public’s values and opinions regarding the stereotypical appearance of what the common criminal appears and performs like (Reiner, 2007). The television also helps to form the public’s beliefs of the classic manner for resolving a crime and the way in which criminals ought to be scolded (Reid, 2012). Through the use of contemporary Australian examples and theoretical explanations, the relationship between the media and the criminal justice system will be further explored and examined.
According to Kidd-Hewitt (2002), the media portrays crime through the notion that crime is on the increase. The media suggests that aggressive crime is more widespread than it actually is and that sociopathic predators commit the majority of crimes. The media further suggests that the elderly, women and white individuals are the most frequent victims of crime and that the media portray crime as becoming increasingly random and more likely to be committed by strangers (Kidd-Hewitt, 2002).
According to Dowler, Fleming and Muzzati (2006), the media’s representation of crime frequently takes advantage of cultural stereotypes, particularly when coverage is on illegal offences by marginalized individuals. For example, even though the concern of household violence impinges upon a sizeable number of citizens all over Australia, broadcasted news media regularly describes it as solely a difficulty amongst non-Caucasian populations. Dowler, Fleming and Muzzati (2006) further conclude that adding to ethnic stereotypes, the depiction of criminality and oppression concerning marginal individuals receives much less coverage and awareness than that of white individuals.
In conjunction to what has been mentioned previously, the way in which the media portrays crime can be explored through a recent Australian example from September 2012. A public riot, which took place in the Sydney CBD as a means of protesting against an anti-Islamic film saw “violence erupt in central Sydney as hundreds of Muslims protested against a controversial film about the Prophet Mohammed” (Bashan, 2012). Generated by a YouTube video, the Sydney CBD was shook by a riotous encounter linking over one thousand protesters. According to Bashan (2012), the events that took place on this day presented disgracefully brutal pictures that appalled the countries citizens, as the police force were needed to utilise capsicum spray throughout the ongoing and uncontrolled protest with furious rioters. The media portrayed this event as extremely violent and warned residents to remain vigilant as the police were concerned that the violent behavior could occur once more, regardless of wishes and requests from the police force for both harmony and tranquility (Bashan, 2012). This example helps to reinforce the way in which the media exposes crime through their use of disturbing graphics, recorded videos and strong wording in many publications.
According to Heath and Gilbert (1996), the Australian culture is just one that is captivated by crime and justice. Heath and Gilbert (1996) believe that on a daily basis, individuals are frequently surrounded by crime talk, whether it is present through movies, novels, newspapers, publications, television shows or casual dialogue. Parker (1993) expresses the significance that the mass media occupies in the creation of criminality and the criminal justice system. Parker (1993) goes on to further explore how an individual’s observation and knowledge of victims, criminals, deviants and law enforcement officials is primarily established through their representation in the mass media.
The research of Huang and Vaughn (1996) concluded that public apprehension; fear of crime, moral panic and anxiety was indistinguishably associated with public force for the creation of explanations and resolution methods to solving crime problems. Further research of Huang and Vaughn (1996) was conducted to uncover the effects in which screening of crime news had on crime. Both researchers have established that screening of crime news enhances public strain for increased levels of successful police efforts and additional disciplinary approaches to crime (Huang & Vaughn, 1996).
In April 2013, news coverage was seen relating to a seventeen-year-old teenage girl having allegedly been gang raped in the Sydney suburb of Baulkham Hills (ABC News, 2013).
This allegation sent fear and anxiety throughout the Baulkham Hills region and police had encouraged all individuals to remain cautious and recommended for individuals to refrain from travelling alone at night. This example highlights the way in which the public responds to media reporting on crime and illustrates the possible fear and moral panic that can be caused amongst citizens who are at risk for repeated crime offences as victims. According to ABC News (2013), following a widespread investigation, the police have now established that the teenage girls statement was fictitious. As a result of this conclusion, the Commander of the Sex Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec has been able to inform the public of his relief, where he says, “relieved for the fact I can tell many parents and young people in the Hills District that it is safe to walk around there” (ABC News, 2013). This specific example is pertinent to the anxious way in which the public responds to the media’s reporting on crime. It is important to note that the mass media plays a vital role in the construction of criminality and the criminal justice system and directly influences the behaviour of most individuals (Kidd-Hewitt, …show more content…
2002).
Familiarity with crime reporting and the features impeding upon crime reporting behaviour is crucial for crime avoidance and management (Carcach, 1997). Crime reporting impacts upon criminal justice policies through a number of ways. Carcach (1997) believes that by identifying the most common criminal actions and behaviours, the development and subsequent implementation of criminal justice policies can be introduced to reduce the levels of these deviant crimes. According to Harlow (1985), through an increase in the numbers of crime reporting to the police, the amount and strength of criminal justice policies can be improved. Harlow (1985) outlines how these will in turn lead to reduced levels of criminal activities due to their heavy penalties, which follow them.
The general public, through their reporting actions of their crime encounters, initiates the criminal justice process. The criminal justice process then leads to the inquiry of the crime by the police, the examination and trial of the wrongdoer and the handing out of their resulting penalty (Townsend, 2013). On the other hand, the lack of reporting prevents admission to reimbursement schemes, allows for offending individuals to omit arrestment and reduces the potential to reach a more unbiased criminal justice system (Carcach, 1997).
From the 1st November 2012, the Government introduced new laws governing mobile phone usage in cars, which have been tightened as a means to assist in improving road safety and reduce the number of vehicle and mobile phone related road accidents (Herald Sun, 2012). Moses (2012) cites research from ATMA, which highlights, “crashing or having to take action to avoid a crash increased by twenty-three times when a driver took their eyes off the road to write or read text messages. Looking down to dial on a handheld phone increased the risk of a crash or near crash by three times”.
According to the RTA website (2012), the dangers of mobile phone usage include distracting beginner drivers and riders from the driving task. Research has uncovered that making use of a mobile phone whilst driving a vehicle is hazardous, as it reduces response times, impedes with a driver’s observation skills and enhances the likelihood of being involved in a crash or other related accident (RTA, 2012).
Therefore, it is beneficial to note that through crime reporting, the impact that criminal justice policies have on society is invaluable. Through recently found statistics, the impact of these new laws governing mobile phone usage whilst driving has highlighted a significant decline in road-related accidents due to mobile phone usage (RTA, 2012) and provides evidence for the positive effects on how crime reporting impacts upon criminal justice policies.
In conclusion, the criminal justice system and the media can be seen to work together in diverse arenas (Townsend, 2013).
The public’s dependence on the information and insight disseminated through the media, in response to procedures within the criminal justice system has drastically changed to a decline in assurance amongst society. The relationship between the media and the criminal justice system plays a vital role in society’s beliefs of the success and effectiveness of fairness. The public’s reliance on the media as a source of facts, knowledge and entertainment creates a discrepancy between goals chased and goals achieved. Nevertheless, the public carries on relying on the media as a way in which to comprehend and evaluate the criminal justice system (Townsend, 2013). The media portrays crime through a number of differing angles and perspectives and this allows for the public to respond in multiple ways in response to the media’s reporting on crime. Furthermore, crime reporting by individuals and society as a whole helps to impact upon the development and implementation of criminal justice
policies.
Reference List
ABC News, 2013. Teenage girl lied about gang rape, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-04-05/teenage-girl-lied-about-gang-rape/4611410>.
Bashan, Y. 2012, Arrests made after police officers injured at anti-Islamic film protest in Sydney CBD, The Daily Telegraph, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.news.com.au/national-news/nsw-act/police-use-pepper-spray-on-anti-islamic-film-protesters-in-sydney-at-the-us-consulate/story-fndo4bst-1226474744811>.
Carcach, C. 1997, ‘Reporting crime to the police’, Australian Institute of Criminology, No. 68, Australia, pp. 1-6.
Dowler, K., Fleming, T., & Muzzati, S. L. 2006. Constructing crime: Media, crime, and popular culture. Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice, 48(6), 837-850.
Ericson, R. V 1995, ‘Crime and the Media’, British Journal of Criminology, vol. 31, no.3, pp. 219-249.
Harlow, C.W. 1985, Reporting Crimes to the Police: Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report NCJ-99432, US Government Printing Office, Washington DC.
Heath, L. and Gilbert, K. 1996. "Mass Media and Fear of Crime." American Behavioral Scientist 39:379-86.
Herald Sun, 2012. New mobile phone laws come into force today, News Limited newspapers, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/new-mobile-phone-laws-come-into-force-today/story-fndo317g-1226508352686>.
Huang, Wilson W.S. and Michael S. Vaughn. 1996. "Support and Confidence: Favorable Attitudes Toward the Police Correlates of Attitudes Toward the Police." In T.J. Flanagan and D.R. Longmire (eds) Americans View Crime and Justice: A National Public Opinion Survey. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
Kidd-Hewitt, D. 2002, ‘Crime and the Media: A Criminological Perspective’, in Jewkes. Y, Criminology: A Reader, 1st edn, Sage Publication Ltd, Thousand Oaks, CA, pp. 116-124.
Moses, A. 2012, New rules on mobile phones catch 780 drivers, The Sydney Morning Herald, viewed 1/05/2013, <http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/new-rules-on-mobile-phones-catch-780-drivers-20121114-29bg0.html>.
Mutz, D. C 1989, ‘The Influence Of Perceptions Of Media Influence: Third Person Effect And The Public Expressions Of Opinions’, International Journal of Public Opinion Research, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 3-23.
Parker, K. 1993, "Fear of Crime and the Likelihood of Victimization: A Bi-Ethnic Comparison Journal of Social Psychology 133: 723-732.
Reid, C. 2012, ‘Fact Sheet: Crime in the Media’, A European Association of Psychology and Law – Student Society Publication, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://itssimple.ca/forensicgroup/wp-content/uploads/Media-Crime.pdf>.
Reiner, R. 2007, ‘Media-made criminality: The representation of crime in the mass media, in The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Maguire, M. and Morgan, R, 4th ed, Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 221-242.
RTA website, 2012. Mobile phone use, viewed 24/04/2013, <http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/driverdistractions/index.html>.
Townsend, C. 2013, ‘Interactions between the media and the criminal justice system’, The Western Australian Jurist, School of Law, Murdoch University.