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Short Assignment #1

   Over the past week, the majority of crime headlines were concerning politics, murder, and drug crimes. Murder is more represented in this past week’s headlines in The New York Times. It doesn’t seem as if crime was a significant part of this past week’s reporting as politics have been the mainstream news at the moment. However, there were some key events in relation to drugs and murder that were reported on.

Son of El Chapo Extradited to Chicago to Face Federal Drug Charges

Ovidio Guzmán López is the first of El Chapo’s four sons, who are all facing American criminal charges, to be sent to the United States for prosecution.

By Alan Feuer

PRINT EDITIONSeptember 16, 2023 

1-Year-Old Girl’s Death in Brooklyn Is Investigated as a Homicide

Police came to an apartment in Crown Heights, where they found the child unresponsive. She died six days later.

By Claire Fahy and Erin Nolan

PRINT EDITIONSeptember 23

2 Charged With Murder in Day Care Death of 1-Year-Old

The owner of the day care center and her tenant were charged in the death of Nicholas Dominici, who the authorities said had been exposed to fentanyl.

By Maria Cramer

PRINT EDITION2 Charged With Murder In Bronx Day Care Death|September 18, 2023, Page A15, 2023

   The representation of different types of crimes in the media, criminal justice system, and public discourse can vary widely and is influenced by several factors. One is severity and impact, this is seen in the reporting of the daycare tragedy where a child lost their life due to exposure to fentanyl. More serious and high-impact crimes such as murder, terrorism, and sexual assault tend to receive more media attention and public focus due to their immediate and widespread effects on individuals and communities. Another example is certain types of crimes can be emphasized or de-emphasized based on political agendas. For example, the government might prioritize addressing drug-related offenses or immigration-related crimes as part of its policy agenda, leading to increased attention to these issues. It’s essential to recognize that the representation of crimes in the media and public discourse does not always reflect the overall prevalence of those crimes in society. Some crimes may receive disproportionate attention, while others that are more common may be underreported or overlooked. This can influence public perceptions of crime and justice issues, and it is an important aspect to consider when analyzing crime-related discussions and policies.