Unit_1.1_Crime

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO CRIME AND CRIMINOLOGY

• Instructor Contact: boleukp@ufs.ac.za

Unit 1.1: Crime

• Objectives:

  • Define crime

  • Differentiate crime from deviance

  • Discuss the media's influence on societal perspectives of crime

Key Concepts

• Definitions of Crime:

  • Juridical Definition: An illegal action (Actus Reus) committed with intent (Mens Rea) defined as punishable by law.

  • Non-juridical Definition: Violation of behavioral norms considered as social harm or deviance, not necessarily illegal.

• Criminalisation:

  • The process of categorizing actions previously defined as non-criminal into juridical crimes through legislation.

• Decriminalisation:

  • The process of removing actions from the list of illegal activities, making them no longer punishable by law.

Apply the Key Concepts

• Examples Required:

  • Differentiate between deviance and crime.

  • Discuss decriminalisation with examples.

  • Explore why certain deviant acts are criminalised.

Crime and the Media

• Contemporary Concerns:

  • The effect of crime media on public perceptions.

  • The impact of real-world offenders depicted in media.

  • The influence of new social media platforms.

Crime and Media Delivery

• Media Coverage:

  • Crime in South Africa is prominently featured in various media formats (TV, newspapers, etc.).

  • Sensationalized coverage leads to increased public interest and perception distortions regarding crime rates (e.g., high-profile cases like Oscar Pistorius).

• Infotainment:

  • A blend of sensationalized crime news and entertainment that influences public perception.

Rise of Crime-Reality Shows

• Crossover of Real and Fiction:

  • Increasing popularity of crime-reality shows that integrate real criminal events into entertainment.

• Distortion of Crime Representation:

  • Media often depicts exaggerated versions of crime, leading to skewed societal norms and expectations regarding crime rates.

Effect on Public Perception

• Global Media Impact:

  • Events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup showcased South Africa in a negative light despite declining crime rates, heightening fear among the populace.

• Fear Factor:

  • Frequent exposure to violent crime media correlates with increased public fear, even if actual crime rates decrease. Victims and recent news consumers tend to be more fearful of crime.

Fiction vs. Reality in Crime Media

• Media Constructs:

  • Media often portrays offenders as irrational and violent, leading to stereotypes and potential prejudices within society.

Criminogenic Media Effects

• Debate on Media Influence:

  • Ongoing discussions about whether exposure to crime media causes actual crime or inspires criminal behavior.

• Copycat Crimes:

  • Individuals, influenced by crime media, may commit similar acts of violence as seen in movies or shows.

Examples of Copycat Behavior

• Case Studies:

  • Chris Harper Mercer: Killer inspired by prior media coverage of violent acts.

  • Thierry Jaradin: Committed murder emulating onscreen violence from the film "Scream."

Reducing Crime Policies in South Africa

• Guiding Policies:

  • National Crime Prevention Strategy

  • White Paper on Safety and Security: Addresses limitations of previous policies, outlining roles for government and local authorities.

• Strategic Objectives:

  • Discusses responsibilities of police and local communities in crime reduction strategies.

  • Encourages cooperation between various stakeholders (e.g., municipal authorities, local police).

Effective Crime Reduction

• Participation & Revision:

  • Successful crime reduction requires the involvement of all stakeholders and ongoing policy assessment.

Self-Study Recommendations

• Independent Tasks:

  • Read Chapter 1 of the prescribed textbook.

  • Research on serious crimes in South Africa for tutorial discussion.

Next Week’s Focus

• Theme: Measuring levels of crime.

• Reminder: Attend tutorials; contact teaching assistant for class registration issues at boleukp@ufs.ac.za.