SOSC 2350 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Nils Christie, Homicide, Execution By Firing Squad
4 Nov 2013
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
The nature and effects of criminal justice are shaped by broader social relations of power. Definitions of crime, modes of punishment and severity of punishment change over time. Influenced by many historically and culturally specific factors: moral beliefs, discrimination, political ideologies and agendas, grass-roots political struggles, economic interests, the media, etc. Systemic forms of inequality and all above can come into play. Recently in canada, strong influence has been interest groups that are advocates for victims and victim"s rights. Tapping into and mobilizing of support from victims rights groups. Diff pieces of legislation being justified by specific reference to this group. Emily murphy wanted to see mj and other drugs incriminated. Expert knowledge (medical, criminological link between use and crime?) Police in favour of reduced penalties for small-time marijuana offense. Majority of canadians (from studies that have been done) hold position not shared by federal government.
