Impact of Mediatization on Criminal Justice Policy

Impact of Mediatization on Criminal Justice Policy
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February 28, 2023
1 Introduction
Understanding the realities of policing is essential for crafting effective policies related to criminal justice. By looking at the realities on the ground, policymakers can make an effective policy that would respond to both the internal and external circumstances of actual practice. Accordingly, this article aims to evaluate the impact of mediatization on national criminal justice policy at a macro level. The introduction defines mediatization as the increasing role of media in shaping public opinion and political decision-making. It also explains criminal justice policy as the laws, procedures, and institutions governing the criminal justice system. The article aims to analyze the positive and negative effects of media on criminal justice policy.
2 The Impact of Media on Criminal Justice Policy
The impact of media on criminal justice policy is significant. Media plays a crucial role in forming public opinion on criminal justice issues, such as crime rates, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Media can shape public opinion by portraying crime, which can be sensationalized, biased, or misleading. Furthermore, the media can set the agenda and frame criminal justice issues in a particular way, influencing public opinion and political decision-making. Regarding political decision-making, media coverage can significantly impact policy decisions, with politicians sometimes catering to media-driven public opinion (Walsh, Baker, and Frade, 2022). For example, politicians may enact more punitive policies in response to media-fueled public demands for stricter criminal justice measures. Overall, the media can have a powerful impact on criminal justice policy and its effectiveness, both positively and negatively.
1 The positive impact of mediatization on criminal justice policy
1 Increased transparency
One of the positive impacts of mediatization on criminal justice policy is increased transparency. Media coverage can expose corruption, misconduct, or abuses of power within the criminal justice system (Walsh, Baker, and Frade, 2022b). For instance, media reporting on police brutality can shine a spotlight on law enforcement officials' excessive use of force. Such coverage can help hold those in power accountable and bring much-needed reforms.
2 Public awareness leading to policy changes
Media coverage of criminal justice issues can raise public awareness and stimulate public debate. As a result, policymakers may be more likely to address public concerns and take action to implement policy changes (Walsh, Baker, and Frade, 2022). For example, media coverage of police brutality and systemic racism in the criminal justice system has increased public awareness and pressure for reforms, such as police reform bills and the implementation of body cameras for police officers.
2 The negative impact of mediatization on criminal justice policy
3 Sensationalism and distortion
One of the negative impacts of mediatization on criminal justice policy is sensationalism and distortion. Media coverage of crime and criminal justice issues can be sensationalized to attract more viewers or readers, leading to distortion or exaggeration of the facts (Cottle, 2005). This can lead to public panic, fear, and a misguided understanding of the nature and extent of criminal activity.
4 Promotion of punitive policies
Media coverage can also promote punitive policies prioritizing punishment over rehabilitation or restorative justice. This can be seen in the focus on harsher sentencing, mandatory minimums, and three-strikes laws, which can lead to over-incarceration and disproportionate punishment (Mazzoleni and Schulz, 1999). Such policies can be driven by media narratives that po...