Citation

Fabianic D. J. Crim. Justice 1997; 25(3): 195-203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0047-2352(97)00004-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Television crime dramas are part of the media presentation of crime and criminals, and they represent an element in the construction of reality about crime by the viewing public. A review of the portrayal of homicide in TV crime dramas is not completely consistent with the official data. An adequate explanation of cause, beyond the plot motive, is lacking in the dramatic portrayal of homicide. Viewing audiences are left with plot motives to explain homicides, and plot motives often legitimize crime fighting proposals and placement of responsibility consistent with an individually oriented explanatory ideology.