No contest: The trumped-up conflict between freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial
Article Abstract:
The phrases free press and fair trial are Anglo-American ideals, often presented as if they are at odds with each other. However it is not a new conflict to be blamed on television, as far back as 1807, Aaron Burr's prosecution for treason was accompanied by courtroom drama and publicity, leading to concern about a fair trial. Since the mid-1980s no decision has addressed the media's First Amendment rights to cover the courts, reflecting a judicial attitude towards the media, bordering on contempt.
Publication Name: Media Studies Journal
Subject: Mass communications
ISSN: 1057-7416
Year: 1998
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Lessons from the Timothy McVeigh Trial I: Was justice done? How do we know?
Article Abstract:
The conviction of Timothy McVeigh for the bombing of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, meant that any restrictions on public access was justified and a 'media circus' could be avoided. Some have concluded that the only way to alter the public perception of how the criminal justice system operates, is by controlling the information the public receives, but cutting access to information. Many feel that the McVeigh trial is a prototype for how justice should be done.
Publication Name: Media Studies Journal
Subject: Mass communications
ISSN: 1057-7416
Year: 1998
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: