Laws1110 - Topic 1

What are the four main ways crime can be understood?

(1) As a reflection of the nation-state through criminal law (2) As a social construction shaped by norms and beliefs (3) As a social or political theory linked to human rights (4) As defined by religious principles.

Why is crime said to have no fixed (ontological) reality?

Because its definition changes across time and space, depending on culture, politics, power, and media influence.

What are the five main crime fallacies?

(1) The Dramatic Fallacy (2) Cops and Courts Fallacy (3) "Not Me" Fallacy (4) Innocence of Youth Fallacy (5) Ingenuity Fallacy

What does the Dramatic Fallacy describe?

Media over-representing shocking or violent crimes, making them seem more common than they are.

Why do crime rates appear lower today?

Because crime, particularly property and youth crime, has been declining for decades due to social, economic, and technological changes.

What are the main ways crime is measured?

(1) Police-recorded crime (2) Victimisation survey (3) Alternative data sources, such as hospital admissions and DUMA reports.

What are Jewkes’ (2004) eight media imperatives?

(1) Immediacy (2) Dramatisation (3) Personalisation (4)Simplification (5) Titillation (6) Conventionalism (7) Structured Access (8) Novelty

How does sensationalist media affect public perception?

It fuels fear, moral panic, and political populism, often leading to harsher policies.

What shapes fear of crime?

Social, political, and cultural influences such as age, gender, income, and media exposure.