Criminal Justice: The subject of terrorism
Over the last decade terrorism has become a widely studied subject in its own right, as well as an optional unit on many more general criminal justice courses. This is not only a consequence of its development as a label used by mass-media and politicians, but also due to the increase in accessibility of niche and specialist subjects via the recent emersion of e-Learning and online courses. So what does a course about terrorism teach you?
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nThe first thing that will likely be discussed is the complex definition of terrorism. In simple terms, today most of us use ‘terrorism’ to describe an act perpetrated by a person or group that is intended to intimidate others and create fear. Yet, because of the political and emotional associations between who is labelling who as a terrorist, many (with some sources claiming hundreds) more or less complex meanings are also used. Although the definition of terror is fluid and different from place to place, one common factor between all uses is that the term is considered pejorative – and terrorist are rarely self-proclaimed.
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nA study of terrorism in a variety of historical contexts is also likely to be undertaken near the start of the module or course, as this will improve the reflections and discussions of the act in modern times. The notion of terrorism was born in Rome, 105BC, as word that the brutal pillaging Cimbris were approaching the city sent the locals into a panic. The phrase, ‘Reign of Terror’ was initially used to describe the time after the French revolution and the subsequent violence between the Girondists and their opposition, the Jacobins.
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nMuch of the course will no doubt focus on the many types and forms of terrorism in the modern-day context. This will go into some detail into ideas of political and non-political terrorism, religious terrorism, nationalistic terrorism, as well as the more complex notion of quasi-terrorism – i.e. a criminal act that may begin as something but which develops into a hostage situation (i.e. from a non-terror to a terror act).
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nThe purpose for those studying criminal justice and terrorism usually comes from an ambition to make the community or world a fairer, safer and more just place. Consequently, the aim of such courses are usually based around establishing deterrents for such acts, or how to deal with them should they occur – either directly or indirectly and via government and policing. This consists of discussions around counter-terrorism measures such as tighter border control, identity monitoring, security and government-specific acts – and should be seen as the ultimate aim of a terrorism module or course.
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Posted Date: 2009-05-10 23:03:27
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