Just des (s) erts The racial polarization of perceptions of criminal injustice

Ian Ross MacMillan, Scot Wortley, John Hagan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Sociologists have long been interested in how reactions to deviance influence social order and consensus. However, classic statements on this subject present contrasting hypotheses. This article extends previous work by examining how the extensive media coverage of an interracial homicide influences public attitudes toward the criminal justice system. Initial results indicate that race, education, and police contact directly effect perceptions of criminal injustice. Perceptions of injustice are especially high among well-educated blacks who have had recent contact with the police. Further analysis reveals that the media coverage of the homicide seems temporarily to consolidate public confidence in the police and criminal courts. However, this effect varies by race and education. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings.

Original languageEnglish (Ireland)
Pages (from-to)637-676
Number of pages40
JournalLaw and Society Review
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Just des (s) erts The racial polarization of perceptions of criminal injustice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this