Overview

You will summarize a criminal case in which the broadcast media had an impact, and explain how the media may have influenced the public's perception of the case.

Prompt

You learned about ways in which perceived bias in media coverage of criminal cases and police activity may play a role in society's perception of police. One of those ways is the role the media play in a criminal case. If the media are biased, it may impact how society interprets and reacts to a criminal case and the criminal justice professionals involved. The media's involvement in a case can also affect criminal justice practices. For this, you will choose a criminal case to focus on. You will craft a summary of the case and explain how the media may have influenced the public's perception of the case.

First, choose the case of one of the following criminals:

• William R. Horton
• Pamela Smart
• Dominic Cinelli
• George Zimmerman

Then, address the following rubric criteria:

• In a few words, craft a brief summary of a criminal case in which the media had an impact.
  • Describe the pertinent facts and legal points of the case.
  • Describe who was involved and where the case took place.
• In a few words, explain how the media may have influenced the public's perception.
  • Describe any actions by the public that may have been a result of the media's influence.
  • Explain the role the media may have played in the public's perception of the criminal justice professionals involved in the case and/or practices related to the case.
• Please use in-text citations and references APA Style.