Chapter 10 Essay questions

  1. Should politicians take account of public opinion on crime and punishment? Why?
  2. Does it make sense to talk of “public opinion” when it comes to crime and punishment?
  3. Are there structural reasons why people in developed industrialised societies should be poorly informed about crime? Should politicians do anything about it?
  4. “A criminal justice system that lacks legitimacy in the eyes of the public will never be able to control crime or maintain public order.” Discuss.
  5. Are the mass media the enemies of rational policies on crime and justice? Might changes in information technology worsen or reduce any problems that the media cause?
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