The media and society play an important role in the shaping of criminal justice programs and policies. Some scholars argue that citizens’ opinion of criminal justice policy is based on their fear or anger toward criminal offenders or by their lack of concern for offender rights, while others maintain that citizens’ desire meaningful reform (Rowan, 2012). Since the criminal justice system does not exist in a vacuum, it is affected by the society in which it is a part of. Lawmakers and practitioners respond to criminal justice issues that are present and persistent within society. The policies and programs that are created are often in response to an issue or concern. As a society, the impact of the criminal justice system reaches every person, whether it be financially, being the victim of a crime, or being exposed to social disorganization that is directly related to criminal behavior.
As you begin to study criminal justice policy, it is important that you assess what criminal justice policy is and how it is influenced.
Criminal justice policy is created in response to current problems or trends. Although policy makers ultimately make the decisions, programs and policies are influenced by several different groups such as citizens and the media. In many instances, the public has a tremendous influence on why a program is created or a policy is implemented.
For example, sex offenders represent a small portion of the total number of law violators in society, yet they still have a substantial impact on the public and the criminal justice system. Public attitudes towards sex offenders have contributed to the implementation of a number of specific laws. The history of sex offender legislation has been largely driven by public expectation. Sex offender registration statutes and statutes that regulate the activities of sex offenders have been implemented in response to public perception and outcry.
To aid in a discussion of criminal justice policy, it is important that you assess what criminal justice policy is and how it is influenced. For the next week, pick up the newspaper, watch the news, and then, identify the criminal justice issues that are being discussed.
For the assignment, you are putting together a weekly blog on the topic of media and criminal justice. In your blog, be sure to address the following:
Include key criminal justice issues discussed by the media.
Identify current policies surrounding the issues.
Examine the media’s presentation of the issues.
Identify any perceived bias or sensationalism.
Reveal how you have personally been influenced by the media.
Length: 600 words
References: Include a minimum of three scholarly resources.
Your essay should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect graduate-level writing and APA 7th standards
