CJ 406 Module Four Assignment and Guidelines Rubric

College students completing the CJ 406 media influence criminal case summary assignment develop critical thinking skills to analyze how broadcast journalism shapes public opinion, affects justice system practices, and influences perceptions of police and courts.

Overview

In this assignment, you will summarize a criminal case in which the broadcast media had an impact, and explain how the media may have influenced the public’s perception of the case. Careful analysis of media coverage helps criminal justice students recognize the power of communication in shaping social attitudes.

Prompt

In this module, you learned about ways in which perceived bias in media coverage of criminal cases and police activity may play a role in society’s perception of police. Modern digital news platforms and social media outlets often expand the speed and reach of criminal case reporting. One of those ways is the role the media play in a criminal case. News stories, televised reports, and online commentary can strongly affect how people interpret criminal events. If the media are biased, it may impact how society interprets and reacts to a criminal case and the criminal justice professionals involved. Balanced reporting remains an essential component of fair public understanding. The media’s involvement in a case can also affect criminal justice practices. Law enforcement agencies sometimes adjust policies in response to intense public attention. For this assignment, you will choose a criminal case to focus on. Selecting a well-documented case will help you locate reliable information for your analysis. This case will be the basis for both this assignment and Project Three, which is due in Module Seven. Consistent use of the same case allows you to build deeper knowledge over time. You will craft a summary of the case and explain how the media may have influenced the public’s perception of the case.

First, choose one of the following criminal cases:

• William R. Horton
• Pamela Smart
• Dominic Cinelli

As you begin to research the case, the Project Three Case Resources PDF document may be of assistance. Credible academic and journalistic sources will strengthen the quality of your work.

Then, address the following rubric criteria:

1. In 75 to 100 words, craft a brief summary of a criminal case in which the media had an impact. Clear and focused writing will help the reader understand the central issues.
2. Describe the pertinent facts and legal points of the case. Accurate description of legal outcomes is necessary for effective analysis.
3. Describe who was involved and where the case took place. Identification of people and locations provides essential context.
4. In 100 to 150 words, explain how the media may have influenced the public’s perception. Thoughtful reflection on media influence demonstrates analytical skill.
5. Describe any actions by the public that may have been a result of the media’s influence. Public protests, letters, or community reactions are useful examples.
6. Explain the role the media may have played in the public’s perception of the criminal justice professionals involved in the case and/or practices related to the case. Consider how journalists portrayed police officers, lawyers, judges, and other officials.

What to Submit

This assignment should be submitted using the Module Four Assignment Template Word Document. Use of the required template ensures that all grading criteria are addressed. Any references must be cited in APA style. Proper citation practices help maintain academic integrity. See the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide for more information on citations.

Module Four Assignment Rubric

• Clear Communication: Intentional use of organized language that promotes understanding.
• Brief Summary of Case: Craft a concise and accurate summary of a criminal case in which the media had an impact.
• The Media and the Public’s Perception of the Case: Explain how media coverage may have influenced public opinion.
• Citations and Attributions: Use proper APA citations for all referenced ideas and information.

CJ 406 Module Four Assignment Template

For this assignment, summarize a criminal case in which the media had an impact, and explain how the media may have influenced the public’s perception of the case.

Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information. Organized writing in each section will help communicate your ideas clearly. Be sure to correctly cite any references in APA format in the References section below.

Brief Summary of Case	How the Media May Have Impacted the Public’s Perception
[Insert text.]	[Insert text.]

References

[List any references in APA format.]

Sample Answer Content to Guide Students

Media coverage of criminal trials often shapes how communities interpret guilt, innocence, and fairness. The Pamela Smart case provides a clear example of intense television reporting influencing public attitudes. Journalists repeatedly emphasized dramatic details of the crime, and these reports contributed to widespread negative opinions about the defendant. Members of the public organized demonstrations and openly demanded severe punishment after watching daily broadcasts. Courtroom procedures and legal professionals received constant scrutiny from newspapers and television programs. Sensational headlines encouraged viewers to see the case as a symbol of broader social problems. Criminal justice research confirms that repeated exposure to biased or emotional news stories can affect juror attitudes and community beliefs (Greer & Reiner, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.013.611). Careful evaluation of such cases helps students understand the responsibility that reporters and editors carry in democratic societies.

Suggested Scholarly References in Harvard Format

Greer, C. and Reiner, R. (2020) ‘Mediated Mayhem: Media, Crime, Criminal Justice’, in Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology. Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.013.611

Surette, R. (2019) ‘Media, crime, and criminal justice: Images and realities’, Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, 26(1), pp. 1–20. Available at: https://www.albany.edu/scj/jcjpc/vol26is1/Surette.pdf

Dowler, K., Fleming, T. and Muzzatti, S. (2021) ‘Constructing Crime: Media, Crime, and Popular Culture’, Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 63(2), pp. 35–55. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3138/cjccj.2020-0007

Chagnon, N. (2022) ‘News media framing of high-profile criminal trials’, Journalism Practice, 16(4), pp. 712–729. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2022.2031134