The Spectacle of Criminal Justice: Mass Media and the Criminal Trial

In a media-saturated world, Smith's book explores how issues surrounding criminal justice, crime, and death take center stage in the media through the concept of "Spectacular Justice". It examines four murder case studies to develop a conceptual toolkit to help the reader understand the complex position of justice in the spotlight. The book highlights the value of bridging the disciplinary divide between criminology and death studies and demonstrates how spectacular justice is often most conspicuous at the intersection between crime and death.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

In a world where media spectacle dominates our lives, almost every aspect of human existence can now be documented, watched, and scrutinized. With the immense power of mass media to transform the ordinary into captivating entertainment, it is no surprise that issues surrounding criminal justice, crime, and death have taken center stage in this media-saturated social landscape. In his groundbreaking book, "Spectacular Justice," Dr. Smith explores how institutions of justice, such as criminal trials, and public expressions of justice, such as rage and grief, are played out in the media. Through a comprehensive analysis of four murder case studies, including the infamous cases of Charles Lindbergh Jr., James Bulger, Jodi Arias, and Anders Breivik, Smith develops a conceptual toolkit to help readers understand the complex position of justice in the spotlight.

By examining each case through the lens of three key characters—the victim, the perpetrator, and the expert—Smith delves into how human stories contribute to the visibility of the case and the thriving of the justice spectacle. He highlights the value of bridging the disciplinary divide between criminology and death studies, demonstrating how spectacular justice is often most conspicuous at the intersection between crime and death.

This book is a must-read for scholars interested in Criminology, Sociology, Death studies, and Media. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which media shapes our understanding of justice and crime, and how it influences public attitudes and behaviors. Through its compelling narrative and rigorous analysis, "Spectacular Justice" provides a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between media, justice, and society, challenging us to think critically about the role of the media in shaping our world.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 159 x 239 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839828232