Reading 4


 

1.  Welch, Weber, and Edwards identify five interpretations of the correctional debate in their content analysis of New York Times coverage of the topic.  Discuss each of the five.  Taken together do the interpretations represent “considerable evidence of politicization of punishment and criminal justice agenda setting” (p. 326)?  Why or why not?

2. The article by Reinarman and Duskin analyzes the fabricated drug story of “Jimmy’s World” by Washington Post reporter, Janet Cooke.  The article reviews “lesson learned” by asking this question: “Where does the blame lie: breakdown in editorial procedure, pathological ambition or systematic prejudice?” Answer the question based on your reading of the article.