A criminal case and analyze how the media impacted it

Scenario
Responsible reporting and fact checking are at the heart of being a journalist. However, understanding key concepts of criminal cases provides insights that can assist to enhance reporting. To cultivate fundamental knowledge about an array of professions that intersect with various media platforms, a local school of journalism created a 2-day professional workshop for licensed and aspiring journalists. As the Public Information Officer (PIO) for a large police department, you have been invited to present this workshop to the journalists. Your presentation will incorporate a review of a court case that was covered by the media. You will review how the media covered key concepts in the case and if the medias reporting had an impact on the roles of the criminal justice professionals involved and practices related to the case. The goal of this workshop is to provide journalists with an example of how their role in the media can impact the criminal justice field.

Choose a criminal case and analyze how the media impacted it. You will then create a presentation that describes the case, the main issue in the case that was sensationalized by the media, and how the media may have had an impact on criminal justice professionals and practices, along with the publics perception. Choose one of the following criminal cases to focus on:

William R. Horton
Pamela Smart
Dominic Cinelli
George Zimmerman
The following required elements should be included:

In 75-100 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 100-150 words, describe at least one main issue in the case that the media focused on. Consider the following in your description:
Is it a discretion issue or a societal issue?
Why was this the main issue?
In 100-150 words, describe how the media questioned the roles and actions of criminal justice professionals in the case regarding the issue identified. Consider the following in your description:
Whose roles and actions were questioned by the media?
How were the roles and actions directly related to the issue identified?
In 100-150 words, explain if and how criminal justice practices have adapted as a result of the medias involvement in the case. Consider the following in your explanation:
If they have adapted, how?
If they have not adapted, why do you think this is?
In 100-150 words, explain how the media may have influenced the publics perception.
Describe any actions by the public that may have been a result of the medias influence.
Explain the role the media may have played in the publics perception of the criminal justice professionals involved in the case and/or practices related to the case.

Full Answer Section

        Impact on Criminal Justice Professionals The media's intense coverage of the case led to increased scrutiny of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. The handling of the case by local authorities was widely criticized, raising questions about racial bias and the application of the "Stand Your Ground" law. Public Perception The media's coverage of the case significantly influenced public perception of the incident and the criminal justice system. The case highlighted racial disparities in the justice system and fueled the Black Lives Matter movement. Public protests and demonstrations demanded justice for Trayvon Martin and called for reforms to address racial bias in law enforcement. Impact on Criminal Justice Practices While the Zimmerman case did not lead to significant changes in the "Stand Your Ground" law itself, it did spark broader discussions about the use of deadly force and the role of race in the criminal justice system. Some states have implemented reforms to limit the use of the "Stand Your Ground" defense, while others have sought to clarify the law's application. Additionally, the case has led to increased scrutiny of police practices and a renewed focus on training officers on de-escalation techniques and implicit bias. Conclusion The George Zimmerman case demonstrates the significant impact that the media can have on criminal justice cases. By focusing on specific issues and shaping public opinion, the media can influence the investigation, prosecution, and public perception of a case. In this instance, the media's coverage of the case played a crucial role in highlighting racial disparities in the justice system and sparking calls for reform.    

Sample Answer

       

Case Study: George Zimmerman and the Trayvon Martin Shooting

Case Summary:

In 2012, George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford, Florida, shot and killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager. The case sparked widespread outrage and protests across the United States, highlighting racial tensions and the role of self-defense laws.

Key Issue: Stand Your Ground Law

The central issue in the case was the interpretation and application of Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law. This law allows individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. The media focused on whether Zimmerman had acted in self-defense or had initiated the altercation.