3. Public conceptions and misconceptions of crime
3. Public conceptions and misconceptions of crime
- Katherine S. WilliamsKatherine S. WilliamsLecturer in Law, University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Abstract
Course-focused and comprehensive, the Textbook on series provides an accessible overview of the key areas on the law curriculum. This chapter considers some of the influences that shape public perceptions, with particular attention to the impact of media. It then looks at some of the most problematic misconceptions about crime. The chapter illustrates the limitations of public conceptions with two brief case studies which outline specific areas of criminal activity that are not popularly perceived as criminal, namely, ‘white-collar crime’ and ‘corporate crime’.