CCJ 230 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-2: Fallacy, Moral Panic, Policy
Document Summary
Definition of fallacy -a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument. The middle range theory treats the criminal act as a tangible event occuring within the physical world. Routine activity approach focuses on exactly how, when, and where crime occurs. Most publicized offenses are very distant from real life. Media uses a horror-distortion sequence to entertain. Major violent crime outnumber the murder category 80 to 1. Harm is limited in the vast majority of incidents. *alcohol abuse is always the greatest american drug problem* Warns against overrating the power of criminal justice agencies, including police, prosecutors, and courts. 46% of victims called the police in 2013. No practical way for police to deliver blanket protection. 1 in 50 cases go before a jury. The best way to get someone to do what you want is to reward more than you punish. Attribution-people tend to forgive their own misdeeds, but not the misdeeds of strangers.