Trial by media: public perception & impact on the justice system as influenced by global media

Abstract

I will be exploring three case studies that details various intricacies of how the media influences juries, criminal process and the public narrative around justice and the legal system. To begin, I will detail the Amanda Knox case and the international intrigue that resulted from the clashes between America, England and Italy. I will examine the Italian legal system, American versus British media coverage, resulting tabloid headlines and how it influenced global perception of defendants, including how Knox herself utilized the media to take power back over the public narrative, and how various pop culture representations of Knox influenced public perception around guilt and innocence. Next, I will examine the case of Aileen Wuornos, branded as the first female serial killer, and how the United States criminal system, pre-trial publicity, historical context and newspaper and television coverage influence prosecution and defense tactics, and how post-trial narratives influenced the legacy of Wuornos and women in the criminal justice system. Finally, I will study the recent defamation case of Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard. In this case, I will examine the intrigue around court cases and celebrity marriages, how the media treated both Depp and Heard, the impact of social media and real time broadcasting from the courtroom on the jury, and public fascination with this specific case. All three cases will further research and investigation into the psychological impact of the media on juries, public opinion, the "trial by media" phenomenon, and how, quite frequently, public perception and jury perception of criminal justice is skewed and influenced by media coverage.