Case Studies of Famous Trials and the Construction of Guilt and Innocence

This book critically examines 11 high-profile criminal cases, exploring how guilt and innocence are constructed in courts and society. It is written for criminology, sociology, law, and criminal justice students and includes exercises, readings, and a specialist reference list.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This groundbreaking book delves into a critical analysis of 11 high-profile criminal cases, encompassing a diverse range of historical and contemporary instances. From the trials of Oscar Pistorius to O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, it explores the intricate dynamics of guilt and innocence within the courts and in broader society. Through comprehensive case studies, the book examines how evidence, narratives, credibility, rhetoric, social status, vulnerability, false confessions, diminished responsibility, and media and social judgments shape the construction of guilt and innocence. Written with a multidisciplinary audience in mind, including criminology, sociology, law, and criminal justice students, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the criminological, sociological, psychological, and legal processes that underpin the outcomes of criminal cases. It also provides valuable exercises, recommended readings, and an extensive specialist reference list, including web links to videos and transcripts related to the cases discussed. By offering an accessible examination of these cases, the book sheds light on the complexities of criminal justice systems and their representation in the media and wider society, fostering a deeper understanding of the societal implications of these legal proceedings.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529203677