Media trials "involve the social construction of select criminal justice cases (regional,
national, international) as massive infotainment products that are taken
up by the media, commodified, and mass marketed" - they are trials
aired on television to gain a profit. "Trial by media," on the other
hand, is "media coverage that creates a widespread perception of
innocence or guilt before, or after, a verdict at trial." Now that you
have explored trial coverage on the Nancy Grace website, discuss the
following in essay format:
Is there evidence of trial by media? Is the coverage promoting a theory of innocence or guilt?
Which theme and/or frame is most common on the Nancy Grace website?
What do you notice about the language that is used on the website?
What impact would these articles have on a potential juror?
What are the potential consequences of this coverage?