MUST HAVE REFERENCES AND IN TEXT CITATIONS

Follow the stories posted on the Critical Criminology Facebook page for the next few days. Also review past stories. From among the topics presented:

Define a justice-related topic about which scholarly researchers, policymakers, and the general public may disagree.

For example, while the research has failed to find significant problems with recreational marijuana use, and many intelligent people support legalization, the "gateway drug" myth remains strong, and marijuana remains illegal.

Describe the disconnect, focusing on public attitudes. As criminology students, you already have a better understanding of reality than the general public, so don't assume your opinion is typical.

For example, most of you understand why the death penalty is not an effective deterrent. If we survey 100 Walmart shoppers we may discover a different perspective.

How has your selected issue been "socially defined?" Please provide specific examples of the disconnection between scientific reality, public perception, and/or public policy.

Specific examples of media bias are especially welcome. As asked above, what would be the result if an individual or group chose to receive news from just one (biased) source?