Module 1: Crime, Criminal Justice, and Criminology
Section outline
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This module will broadly introduce crime, criminal justice, and criminology. It is designed to be a general overview of what the subsequent chapters will cover in detail. It also discusses how criminal justice policymaking – and policymakers – are shaped by the media representations of crime. Perhaps what we do not always realize is that the mass media plays an important role in the construction of criminals, criminality, and the criminal justice system. Our understanding and perceptions of victims, criminals, deviants, and police are largely determined by their portrayal in the mass media.
Image description: Law and crime icon with handcuffs and scales of justice
Image credit: [opens in new window] "Icon Law and Crime," by Wikimedia is licensed under the Creative Commons License, accessed October 2023
Module Learning Objectives (MLO):
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:1.1 Identify the differences between deviance and criminality (CLO 1)
1.2 Describe the three components of the criminal justice system (CLO 2)
1.3 Identify the differences between crime control and the due process model (CLO 1)
1.4 Detail the differences between the interactionist, consensus, and conflict views in the creation of laws (CLO 1)
1.5 Discuss the role of the media and how it impacts our criminal justice system (CLO 1, 3)
Module Activities:
To achieve these objectives:
- Read the Module 1 Introduction
- Read Chapter 1 in Pressbooks Introduction to Criminal Justice (MLO 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5)
- Read and review the information on the Louisiana's No Mans Land website and view the video Louisiana's Lawless Territory: The Neutral Strip Explained (MLO 1.1)
- Complete Pressbooks Chapter 1.2 Practice (MLO 1.1)
- Complete Pressbooks Chapter 1.6 Practice (MLO 1.2)
- Complete the Module 1 Written Assignment (MLO 1.2)
- Complete the Module 1 Discussion Forum (MLO 1.5)
- Complete the Module 1 Quiz (MLO 1.1, 1.3, 1.4)
Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities:
You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.
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Students mustMark as done
Chapter 1: Crime, Criminal Justice, and Criminology
This chapter will broadly introduce crime, criminal justice, and criminology. This chapter is designed to be a broad overview of what the subsequent chapters will cover in detail. It also discusses how criminal justice policymaking - and policymakers - are shaped the media representations of crime.
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Students mustMark as doneImmerse yourself in the history of Louisiana's "Wild West." Go to the Louisiana's No Mans Land website to read the history.
After you have finished reading the article, then view the video below for more information:
Video credit: 435American. (2020, June 4.) Louisiana's Lawless Territory: The Neutral Strip Explained [Video]. YouTube. -
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