Introduction to Criminology and Crime Reporting

Criminology

• Criminology is the study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system.
• Earlier explanations of criminal behavior relied on religious, supernatural, or simplistic biological perspectives.
• Criminology emerged to challenge these assumptions.
• Criminology focuses on how and why crime occurs, the impacts of crime on society, and the factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
• It is a wide field incorporating disciplines such as psychology, computer science, political science, forensics, biology, economics, psychiatry, geography, law, demography, and more.
• Criminologists study the Criminal Justice System (CJS) including institutions, aspects, and personnel.

Crime News Reporting

• The media often emphasizes, sensationalizes, or over-reports news stories about crime.
• Crimes frequently reported in the news are often the least likely to occur.
• The media tends to leave out the context of crime, such as socioeconomic factors, and the complexities of crime.
• Media reporting can influence public perception of crime and contribute to moral panics.

Moral Panics

• A moral panic is a widespread, often irrational fear that some new product, behavior, or action threatens the values or well-being of society.
• Moral panics often involve the exaggeration of a perceived threat.

Crime as Entertainment

• The media portrays crime as entertainment, often sensationalizing criminal events for the purpose of profit and popularity.
• True crime media, popularized by the internet and streaming services, emphasizes gruesome details of crimes for entertainment.

Criminal Law

• Criminal law defines criminal offences and their corresponding punishments.
• Criminal law is rooted in social contract theory, where citizens surrender some freedom in exchange for state protection.
• Canadian law largely follows the English tradition with the cornerstone being the Canadian Criminal Code.
• The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain fundamental rights and protects individuals from arbitrary state power.
• Criminal offenses in Canada are categorized as summary or indictable offenses.

Criminal Justice Process

• The criminal justice process typically involves multiple stages: arrest, investigation, charging, arraignment, trial, sentencing, appeal.
• Different law enforcement agencies with varying jurisdictions police criminal law.

Punishment and Imprisonment

• Punishment aims to deter crime, rehabilitate offenders, and protect society.
• Imprisonment is one form of punishment, but its effectiveness is a subject of debate.

Measuring Crime

• Quantitative approaches to measuring crime rely on numerical data and seek to test hypotheses.
• Qualitative approaches utilize non-numerical data and focus on subjective interpretations.
• The "dark figure of crime" refers to the unreported crimes that go undetected.

Criminology vs. Victimology

• Criminology focuses on the study of crime and criminals, while victimology examines the experiences and needs of victims.
• Victimology recognizes the various forms of victimization beyond physical harm.
• Victims can be categorized based on their relationship to the crime, such as direct, indirect, or secondary victims.
• Victimization can have ongoing consequences and may lead to psychological distress.
• Reported victimization rates often underestimate the actual extent due to underreporting.

Positive Developments in Victimology

• The Canadian Victim of Bill Rights aims to provide greater protections and support for victims.
• Increased cultural awareness of previously marginalized victims.

Victim Impact Statement (VIS)

• A Victim Impact Statement is a written or verbal statement by victims, allowing them to share the impacts of their victimization.
• VIS is often submitted during sentencing hearings.

The Case of Larry Nassar

• Larry Nassar, a USA Gymnastics team doctor, was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of women, predominantly underage.
• During his sentencing, victims read VIS highlighting the devastating impact of his actions.

Ideal vs. Non-Ideal Victims

• The 'ideal' victim is seen as innocent and vulnerable, deserving of sympathy and support.
• The 'non-ideal' victim may be perceived as less deserving based on factors like age, social status, or perceived responsibility for the crime.

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of criminology, including the study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. It delves into how media representation affects public perception of crime. Learn about the interdisciplinary nature of criminology and its societal impacts.