The fast-paced, media-driven development of contemporary public policy

Policy named after individuals, usually victims (Amber Alert, Megan’s Law)

Looping

Cycling of events and information through news media; alters information

Multimedia web-

The interconnected mix of contemporary media—exemplified by the constant looping of media content

Commodification

The for-profit packaging and marketing of crime information for popular consumption (news magazines, internet)

Three characteristics of new media-

-          Narrowcasting

-          On demand

-          Interactivity

Four types of media-

-          Advertising

-          News

-          Entertainment

-          Infotainment

Social Constructionism

When people create reality based on the world they believe exists

-          Stages of social construction

-                      Personal Experiences

-                      Significant others

-                      Institutions & other social groups

-                      The media

Linkage

Association of one social construction effort with another

Frames

Social construction template that allows categorization and labeling (faulty system, racist system, violent system)

Narratives

Crime-and-justice portraits that the public has already recognized and embraced—the corrupt lawyer, sadistic guard, rogue cop, etc.

Ownership

Identification of a social condition with claims makers