The Color of Crime and the Court: A Content Analysis of Minority Respresentation on Television

This content analysis examines portrayals of Whites, African Americans, and Latinos in the criminal justice system as representatives of the court and as criminals. Results indicate that African Americans and Latinos were similar to White characters in their roles, personalities, and aggressive behaviors. Most African Americans and Latinos were depicted as representatives of the court, and the attributes associated with these characterizations were positive. Mass media's depictions and viewers' perceptions of racial/ethnic issues concerning law enforcement and criminal tendencies also are discussed.