While potentially interesting subject matter, the judicial process is a
complex and nuanced component of the broader political system, and fictionalized media portrayals
have the potential to warp public understanding of an otherwise largely unfamiliar process. The goal of
this paper is to critically assess an example of a media portrayal of the judicial process and compare that
portrayal to reality.
Suggested Media Portrayals
The following are suggested media portrayals. Some take the form of documentaries (both in film and
in series), some are based on a true story, and others are totally fiction.
– Frontline: The Plea (available at Watch Frontline The Plea).
– Hot Coffee (available on Netflix among others)
– Making a Murderer* (available on Netflix)
– To Kill a Mockingbird (available on Netflix among others)
– 12 Angry Men (1957) (available to rent through Amazon.com, iTunes, among others)
– Gideons Trumpet (available to rent through Amazon.com, iTunes, among others)
– A Civil Action (available to rent through Amazon.com, iTunes, among others)
– Frontline: The Jury Room
*Documentary series. Longer in length (10 hours)
All students can access The Plea documentary for no cost online. We will begin this video in class you
can finish it as part of your paper assignments. Many students may have a subscription to Netflix or may
be interested in renting a different movie. You are welcome to utilize these services, but it is not
required.
1. Summary of the Portrayal (no more than approximately 1 page): provide the reader a basic
overview of the media portrayal. What is the story about? How does it develop? What is the
conclusion?
2. Discussion of relevant concepts from class (2-3 pages): What concepts from class are being
implicated in this portrayal? Be specific and organized here. Pick concepts that are specific
(things like voir dire or pressures associated with plea bargaining) and not general (justice,
the criminal justice system etc.). If you identify several concepts, address each concept
individually. What is the concept? In what part of the portrayal is it being addressed? How is it
being addressed?
3. Comparison to the actual criminal justice system (2-3 pages). How does this portrayal compare
to reality on each of these concepts? Do you believe this is an accurate or representative
portrayal? Why or why not?
Technical Requirements
The paper must be 6-8 full pages in length (not counting the reference page or large figures). They
should be double-spaced, size 12 Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins. The papers should
include page numbers on each page and have a reference page included at the end. Students must
submit a paper copy of their course paper at the beginning of class the day the paper is due. The due
date for the course paper is available in the Course Schedule section of the syllabus.
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