Politics of Crime, Essay Example

Politics of Crime on a Local Level

There are many ways in which a political system affects the criminal justice system. Arguably, the most influential effect is through the creation of new legislation. On a local level, this has become apparent through the use of criminal justice in the political campaigns of local officials. With promises to enforce or introduce new laws that are tougher on crime, candidates for elective positions appeal to their voters’ emotions and prejudices. This is a highly effective strategy known as demagoguery. While it is considered unethical to manipulate the public through the use of powerful emotional context, the practice of demagoguery is still used frequently and resonates powerfully with the public.

With the midterm elections coming shortly, the politicization of criminal justice has become apparent through political promises for tougher legislation with regard to emotionally-provocative injustices. In the case of Arizona, many politicians are running on the platform of necessitating legislative change by showing  the public the most heinous crimes committed by illegal immigrants. One example of this is the murder of Arizona rancher, Robert Krentz, by an illegal immigrant, which has been exploited numerous times to evoke anger and grief, raising public support for candidates who promise tougher legislation (La Jeunesse, 2010).

In conclusion, the politicization of crime can be seen on all levels of government. Candidates garner an enormous amount of support due to their use of provocative  stories of injustice and subsequent promises of rectification. Reprehensibly, the use of demagoguery has exaggerated certain aspects of the legislation and therefore, has had an unfair political effect on the enforcement and creation of new laws.

References

La Jeunesse, William. “Illegal Immigrant Suspected in Murder of Arizona Rancher”. (2010). Retrieved on September 21, 2010 from FoxNews.com: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/30/illegal-immigrant-suspected-murder-arizona-rancher/