https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54268 2026-04-14T09:31:43Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55584 Title: Crime as entertainment : the representation of crime in the mass media and its appeal to audiences Abstract: The crime related entertainment genre spearheaded by both crime fiction and crime reality storytelling is a phenomenon and to explain it, one has to analyse whether there are any effects in itself (Glucksmann, 1971). This genre is virtually present everywhere and the number of its followers is forever growing, sparking hype and concern at the same time. All of these points inspired this study. More specifically, the study focused on the psychological factors related for attraction and fascination for the genre. Data was collected through face-to-face, semi-structure interviews with ten key informants – all fans of the genre and volunteering participants. This methodological approach was used to gather as much personal experience and opinion in detail as possible. Findings, analysed through thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) revealed that work on thematic analysis in psychology, where the process of identifying themes and patterns within collected qualitative data is explained as an advantageous process of diverse and flexible learning. Reflections on avenues for further research are provided in the dissertation’s concluding chapter. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55580 Title: A study of newspapers coverage reporting improvised explosive devices incidents in the Maltese islands Abstract: This research focuses on newspaper coverage which reported improvised explosive device incidents on the Maltese Islands that occurred between 1970 and 2017. Since the main source of this study were newspapers, archival research was used in order to collect data. Media theories aided in understanding further the role the media plays and its effect on society. This research also includes interviews with professionals to understand better the subject related, which technique assisted in obtaining more material that was not offered in the available literature. From the analysis conducted, sensationalism, fear of crime and non-accurate reporting were three main themes that emerged. Proposals for future studies related to the subject were suggested in order to present a detailed perspective on the them of improvised explosive devices related to media coverage. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55564 Title: Mad woman or bad woman? : gender disparities in Criminal Court sanctions Abstract: Historically, the female offender has been significantly neglected, both in criminological texts as well as in research – studies on arrest patterns and criminal sentencing outcomes have centred entirely on males, neglecting the female variable in the process, while research in relation to sentencing decision outcomes have focused on ethnicity, age, and social class. Nonetheless, the effects o the second wave of feminism, the influence of female emancipation and the perception that female criminality has been on the increase has instigated scholars to study the female offender and the effect of gender in sentencing decision-making. This study strives to explore the effect of gender, if any, in relation to sentencing decision outcomes in Malta by analysing community-based sanction cases from the Department of Probation and Parole while exploring adjudicators’ thoughts and professional expertise in relation to the differential treatment of women in the criminal justice system. Whilst quantitative data illustrates gender bias in “feminine crimes” – theft, drug-related offences, sex-related offences, and fraud data from semi-structured interviews demonstrates that gender does not play a role in sentencing practices locally. This study makes recommendations for further research and policy development. Description: M.A.PROBATION SERVICES 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55554 Title: Cryptocurrencies and beyond : crime and the i-gaming industry Abstract: Technology is evolving at an amazingly rapid speed. One of the real observable proof of this could be seen in the iGaming Industry, which is growing globally each year. The aim of this research is to discover how cryptocurrencies and their underlying technology will impact the iGaming Industry. Literature involves an explanation of the technical words and processes from the emerging industry of technology, indicates the prominent crimes that are likely to emerge and how virtual currencies and the distributed ledger technology can be exploited by devious minds. It outlines how international governments are reacting to these technologies and finally delves into the iGaming Industry with a focus on Malta. Findings for this study were obtained through the qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with professional individuals who are either involved or have great knowledge in the iGaming sector, technology industry, policy makers and legal experts. Results were analysed utilising the thematic approach. The iGaming Industry is perceived to benefit from emerging technologies. However, the industry will not be dependent on them. Furthermore, since the iGaming Industry is regarded as a rich business network, the risk of criminal exploitation increases accordingly. The iGaming Industry will continue to nurture and deploy new technologies in order to improve the quality of services and enhance the level of security for the future. This needs to be aligned with a willingness to say one step ahead of predatory minds that are never eager to exploit the industry. Findings reveal that there is a strong need to increase awareness on preventative measures and security procedures, whilst enhancing the quality of training to address lacunae in skills and knowledge. The industry does realize the need to leverage these technologies, because there is a growing concern that not enough is being done to ensure appropriate safety mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need to conduct research on different levels: legal, technical and procedural. The fact that criminals are always ready to exploit weakness is apparent. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z