Media publicity and criminal justice

Abstract

This preliminary study examines the role of media publicity in criminal justice. It also provides an insight into how message or messages are communicated in the media. Analysing a sample of 41 Straits Times article, on one type of offence using the Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA) methodology, this study also examines the intentional or unintentional effects created by such media publicity. The study seeks to understand whether such media publicity is positive or negative, and the implications for policymakers. It is believed that this study will shed some light on an area of topical interest in crime control. This study is also significant as it provides some thought on current assumptions governing media publicity of criminal justice matters. The limitations in the study and some policy recommendations are also addressed in this study.