Running Head: CRIME IN THE MEDIA 2
We can describe crime as any behavior that deviates a person to violate the cultural
standards and norms that are set on how human beings should behave in the society. The media
and the criminal justice system are closely related and they have been issues of interest to
researchers, speculators and commentators. The two depend closely on each other such that one
cannot do without the other.
Jacob is a young man who I knew since I was in my 3
rd
grade. I came across a crime
article describing how he was struggling with drug addiction while still a teenager and most of
his life he spent it in jail. This article was of interest to me because he was from my hometown.
Recently, this young man was arrested for shoplifting and he received an outstanding warrant
from Toms River Municipal Court(Police, 2017). The act of Jacob stealing was recognized by
the employees and that is when they reported the issue to the authorities. Jacob was charged for
shoplifting and also being in possession of heroin. He was later taken to jail after the police
failed to post bail on his warrant. He had to remain there until his day of ruling where it would be
determined if he would be set free or put back in jail awaiting trial and sentencing. I had a bitter
sweet feeling after reading this article. In a positive way, being in jail keeps him safe from the
use of drugs among other crimes. However, it is rather unfortunate that he had to get himself in
trouble again.
With relevance to this case, the most applicable psychological theory for Jacob’s
situation is mental illness. Being a person I know well I tend to understand him much better. He
is a person who since the age of 12 has struggled with suicidal tendencies and depression. The
root cause for this was the insult he received from his father and that is when he turned to
substance use. Secondly, intelligence is another psychological theory that suits Jacob. The young
man is smart and it is evident how he tries to get things in all means possible.
