1. Public Opinion, The News Media, and the Crime Problem Chapter Two

2. Public Opinion and Public Policy Consensus View/Democratic Theory Consensus View – …a theory that people agree on norms despite their disparate socioeconomic positions.

3. Public Opinion and Public Policy Democratic Theory- …postulates that decisions by public officials should reflect public opinion, which is said to reflect a consensus on the major issues of the day. (Barkan)

4. Public Opinion and Public Policy Criticisms of Democratic Theory: Public officials are influenced more by a small, wealthy, powerful elite than by the general public. (Conflict Theory) The Tyranny of the Majority..majority rules-(Democratic Theory-…democratic principles of fairness, equality and justice.) Majority views may violate these principles.

5. Public Opinion and Public Policy Criticisms: Contd Public opinion is often inaccurate. W.I. Thomas – Thomas Theorem: …when men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences. (Even when they dont meet objective reality.) How does the public form its opinion?

6. The News Media and Public Opinion on Crime Research reflects that the major source of our information is: News media – 65% Politicians Law Enforcement Personal Experience – 21%

7. The Nature of News Media Overdramatization of crime …if it bleeds, it leads. …20% of all stories. (Barkan) …focusing on violent crime …70% of news stories related to violence, while only 14% of arrests were for violent crimes… (Shelton article)