Case Studies of Famous Trials and the Construction of Guilt and Innocence
By Caroline Gorden and Christopher Birkbeck
Published
Apr 11, 2022Page count
324 pagesISBN
978-1529203677Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Apr 11, 2022Page count
324 pagesISBN
978-1529203721Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Apr 11, 2022Page count
324 pagesISBN
978-1529203721Imprint
Bristol University Press
Case Studies of Famous Trials and the Construction of Guilt and Innocence
Read the first three chapters for free:
In the media:
On our blog: PODCAST: Guilt, innocence and the illusion of truth
From the trials of Oscar Pistorius to O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, this innovative book provides a critical review of 11 high profile criminal cases. These case studies examine how ‘guilt’ and ‘innocence’ are constructed in the courts and in wider society, using the themes of evidence and narratives; credibility; rhetoric and oratory in the court room; social status; vulnerability and false confessions; diminished responsibility and the media and social judgments.
Written for criminology, sociology, law, and criminal justice students, the book includes:
• exercises to extend thinking on each case;
• recommended readings for studying the cases and concepts discussed in each chapter;
• an extensive specialist reference list including web links to videos and transcripts pertaining to many of the cases discussed in the book.
The book delivers an accessible examination of the criminological, sociological, psychological and legal processes underpinning the outcome of criminal cases, and their representation in the media and wider society.
“This collection of international cases challenges the reader to consider the wider implications of how different theoretical perspectives and legal principles can impact criminal case outcomes. Well-written, and including exercises, the book is suited to a wide range of criminal and legal studies courses.” Wendy Bateman, University of Bolton
“A wonderfully engaging read for anyone concerned with the theory and practice of justice, this scholarly but accessible book shows how the truth is made, not found, in criminal trials.” Bill Dixon, University of Nottingham
Caroline Gorden is Reader in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Wrexham Glyndwr University. Co-author of Constructing Guilt and Innocence: Case Studies of Famous Trials, Caroline delivers the innovative module to her undergraduate students on which the book is based, which has received great feedback from students. Caroline has also published work in relation to women prison leavers and homelessness in Wales.
Christopher Birkbeck is Professor of Criminology at the University of Salford. He designed the original module on Constructing Guilt and Innocence and delivered it for many years at the University of Salford. He has published on a wide variety of topics, including comparative criminology, policing, prisons, probation, and theories of crime.
Introduction
1. The Death of Caylee Marie Anthony
2. Storytelling in the Trial of James Hanratty
3. Consistency and Inconsistency in Stories: The Case of Dr Crippen
4. The Role of Credibility and Believability in the Trial of Rosemary West
5. Techniques of Neutralisation and the Conviction of the Oklahoma Bomber, Timothy McVeigh
6. Language Style and Persuasion in the Criminal Trial of O.J. Simpson
7. Social Geometry and the Acquittal of Michael Jackson
8. The Role of Vulnerability in the Alleged False Confession and Subsequent Conviction of Brendan Dassey
9. The Defence of Diminished Responsibility and the Trial of Peter Sutcliffe
10. The ‘Reasonable Person’ (and Common Sense) in the Trial of Oscar Pistorius the Shooting of Reeva Steenkamp
11. Amanda Knox’s Trial in the Media
Afterword
