Contemporary Problems

Question 1

Read the article titled “Trial by Media: The Betrayal of the First Amendment’s Purpose”

Phillipson, G. (2008). TRIAL BY MEDIA: THE BETRAYAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT’S PURPOSE. Law & Contemporary Problems, 71(4), 15-29.

After reading the article, in a 1-2 page paper address the following:

1. When the media broadcasts a live criminal trial, how does it affect a defendant’s Sixth amendment right to an impartial jury?
2. When a jury of our peers is selected from the jurisdiction of the case, does the media information given to jurors help determine the outcome of the case? Why or Why not?
3. Identify how this media information affects the jury members?
4. List a minimum of three issues related to the general public knowing about the case details, suspects, witnesses etc., and prior to trial. Can they remain unbiased? Why or why not?

Question 2

Explain why identifying both internal and external trends is important for quick intervention, and how you would develop a tactical plan to reduce a trend.

While responding to at least two of your peers, elaborate on their strategic plans. Would you have approached it differently or in the same way? Explain your rationale.