Bias & Justice
What kind of bias did Deirdre Enright worry about in Adnan’s case?
Religious/Racial bias (prejudice against Adnan because he was Muslim).
Why is Asia McClain’s testimony so important?
She said Adnan was at the library when Hae was killed, giving him an alibi.
How were Adnan’s cell records used against him?
They placed his phone near Leakin Park, where Hae’s body was found.
What is “reasonable doubt,” and how does it apply to Adnan’s case?
Doubts about Jay’s story and cell records mean guilt isn’t clear.
How does Serial explore the theme of truth versus perception?
It shows how different people see the same events differently.
Give one example from Serial that suggests bias in the criminal justice system.
Prosecutors highlighted Adnan’s religion, suggesting he was controlling and traditional.
How does Serial show that human memory can be unreliable?
Memories fade, change, or get influenced by outside factors over time.
Why is the reliability of cell tower pings questionable?
Incoming calls don’t reliably show location, which weakens the evidence.
What argument does Deirdre Enright make about Cristina Gutierrez’s defense?
She was sick and overwhelmed, leading to a poor defense for Adnan.
What lesson does Serial teach about the complexity of relationships in criminal cases?
Personal relationships can complicate the search for truth.
What does Serial suggest about flaws in the justice system through Adnan’s trial?
It highlights unreliable witnesses, poor defense, and a focus on Adnan’s character instead of solid evidence.
How do the inconsistencies in Jay Wilds' testimony affect the case?
They make his story less believable, casting doubt on Adnan’s guilt.
What is the significance of the payphone at Best Buy in Adnan’s case?
There’s no proof it existed, which raises doubts about Jay’s timeline.
What does the term “corroborate” mean? Provide an example from the podcast.
To confirm a story with evidence. Example: Jay’s story was not fully corroborated.
How does Serial question the reliability of storytelling in the justice system?
By revealing how stories change and are influenced by bias.
How might racial or cultural bias affect a jury’s decision-making in cases like Adnan’s?
Jurors may make unfair judgments based on stereotypes, not facts.
Why might witnesses misremember events years later?
Stress, suggestion, and time can distort what people think they remember.
How did forensic evidence, or lack thereof, play a role in the case?
No physical evidence tied Adnan to the crime scene or Hae’s car.
Why is a timeline critical in a murder case like this?
It proves or disproves where people were at key times.
In what ways does Serial make the audience (us) question our own biases?
Listeners realize they may make assumptions about Adnan’s guilt or innocence.
How does Serial challenge our trust in law enforcement?
It shows mistakes, inconsistencies, and potential misconduct in building cases.
How does Sarah Koenig use interviews to highlight problems with eyewitness memory?
She interviews people with conflicting memories and shows how stories differ.
How does technology help and hurt the case for Adnan Syed?
It provides clues (cell records), but errors and misinterpretations raise doubts.
How might the prosecution’s focus on Adnan’s “character” be legally problematic?
It shifts focus from facts to bias, making the trial unfair.
How might Serial influence public opinion about wrongful convictions?
It raises awareness about how innocent people may be convicted.