What role do the media play in influencing the public’s perception of crime and victimization?

Description

Assessment

Up to 30 points are possible. This assignment will be assessed using the Discussion Rubric on the Course Scoring Checklists & Rubrics page.

Instructions

Once you have completed the required readings, look through the discussion questions listed at the bottom of the page. Choose the question with the topic that you would like to answer.
Conduct additional research to find one or two sources on the topic.
Select “Add a new discussion topic,” and then type the question number and a short description in the subject line for the one you wish to answer. This helps everyone be able to navigate the discussion threads.
Draft and post an answer to your selected question in essay form or in a combination of essay and tables/figures. Please do not submit your description as an attachment.
To help orient your classmates, copy the question you are answering to the top of the text box before entering your answer.
Your target length should be 100 to 300 words.
Be sure to justify your assertions with sources, personal experiences, resources, and/or examples. List and/or link to your references.
Respond to at least two others’ posts. Your first reply should be addressed to a colleague who already does not have a reply, if there are any without replies. You should also answer questions and reply to comments your classmates have offered to you.

Discussion Questions

A. Some would describe the United States as being “addicted to incarceration.” Is this an accurate assertion? Why or why not?

B. Was the USA PATRIOT Act necessary given the extraordinary threat posed by terrorists, or were its provisions too intrusive? Explain.

C. What is the “dark figure of crime” and why is it significant?

D. What role do the media play in influencing the public’s perception of crime and victimization?

E. How has technology influenced the criminal justice system? How have criminals used technology to commit offenses? What technological advances have been adopted by the criminal justice system?

F. What is the status of marijuana law in the United States? What happens when state and federal laws conflict?