Objection, Your Honor!
I sit in a courtroom, listen to evidence, and help decide whether someone is guilty or not guilty. I'm not the judge, and I'm definitely not the defendant. Who am I?
A juror (member of the jury).
I'm a little box that allowed millions of Americans to watch the O.J. Simpson trial without ever stepping inside the courthouse. What am I?
A television.
I'm not a rumor, a guess, or something your cousin heard at the gas station. I'm information used to help prove or disprove something in court. What am I?
Evidence
Before becoming the center of one of America's most famous trials, I was known for running down football fields. What sport did I play?
Football.
Your friend says, "My cousin's best friend's neighbor said the suspect confessed!"
As a journalist, should you immediately publish that information or verify it first?
Verify it first.
I've been accused of a crime, but that doesn't mean I committed it. I'm sitting in court while everyone discusses what I allegedly did. What am I called?
The defendant.
Two reporters cover the same trial. One reports the facts. The other acts like the defendant personally stole their lunch money. What journalism problem is happening?
Media bias.
Student A says, "The defendant wore a blue shirt."
Student B says, "The defendant looked guilty because blue is suspicious."
Which student's statement is an opinion?
Student B.
In 1994, millions of Americans watched a slow-moving police pursuit involving a famous white vehicle. What type of vehicle was it?
A Ford Bronco.
A reporter writes, "EVIL CRIMINAL FINALLY CAUGHT!"
The person hasn't been convicted of anything. What word should replace "criminal" when reporting on the court case?
Defendant.
The prosecution says I did it, but they haven't proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury returns a verdict in my favor. What is my verdict?
Not guilty.
The trial hasn't even started, but everybody on social media has already decided who's guilty. What is this called?
Trial by media.
I can help investigators identify or exclude someone, but I still need to be collected and tested correctly. What type of evidence am I?
DNA evidence.
During the O.J. Simpson trial, the courtroom focused on whether a particular item of clothing fit his hands. What was it?
A glove.
The prosecution says one thing, and the defense says another. A journalist reports only the prosecution's arguments and ignores the defense.
What important journalism principle is being neglected?
Fairness or balanced reporting.
I wasn't convicted of a crime, but another court says I'm legally responsible for someone's death and must pay damages. What type of case am I involved in?
A civil case.
A news station announces, "Famous Athlete DEFINITELY Committed the Crime!" before any verdict. What's the biggest problem with this headline?
It assumes guilt without proof and uses misleading, biased language.
A detective collects evidence, drops it on the floor, lets three people touch it, and then puts it in an unsealed bag. What major problem could this create?
Evidence contamination.
After months of courtroom drama, the jury announced its verdict in 1995. What was it?
Not guilty.
A video goes viral claiming a celebrity committed a crime. The journalist can't find a reliable source confirming the claim.
What should the journalist do?
Withhold the unverified allegation and continue investigating.
A person is acquitted in criminal court but later found liable in civil court. How is that possible? Did the law change its mind?
Criminal and civil cases have different standards of proof.
A criminal investigation becomes a national spectacle after television stations broadcast a famous vehicle pursuit and courtroom proceedings. What case am I describing?
The O.J. Simpson case.
A prosecutor presents evidence against a defendant. A reporter immediately posts, "CASE CLOSED! THEY DID IT!"
Why is this irresponsible journalism?
Evidence presented in court does not automatically establish guilt. Journalists must avoid assuming guilt before a verdict.
O.J. Simpson was acquitted in criminal court in 1995. But in 1997, another jury reached a different legal finding. What happened?
He was found liable for the wrongful deaths in a civil case.
A news station reports that a man was arrested for robbery. Two hours later, police confirm he was only questioned as a witness.
The station knows it made a mistake. What should it publish?
A correction.