The Truth Can Be Deceiving: How Criminal Justice Headlines Are Misinterpreted

The Truth Can Be Deceiving: How Criminal Justice Headlines Are Misinterpreted, NE. U. EXTRA LEGAL (Mar. 21, 2020).

7 Pages Posted: 22 May 2020 Last revised: 8 Jun 2020

See all articles by Michael Conklin

Michael Conklin

Angelo State University - Business Law; Texas A&M University School of Law

Date Written: April 26, 2020

Abstract

Just as the criminal justice system has a profound effect on those involved, media accounts of the criminal justice system can profoundly affect those reported on. It is important for those in the media to not only report accurately criminal justice matters, but also to be aware of how factually accurate reports can be misunderstood by lay audiences and the resulting consequences these misunderstandings can have.

The purpose of this study is to examine how various newspaper headlines regarding the criminal justice system are commonly interpreted. In doing so, journalists are provided valuable information to guide them in determining what to report on, and how to best craft headlines. Additionally, journalistic resources, such as the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, are examined for their lack of guidance provided.

Keywords: Media law, Journalism law, Newspaper headlines, Criminal justice media coverage, Freedom of the press, misleading headlines

Suggested Citation

Conklin, Michael, The Truth Can Be Deceiving: How Criminal Justice Headlines Are Misinterpreted (April 26, 2020). The Truth Can Be Deceiving: How Criminal Justice Headlines Are Misinterpreted, NE. U. EXTRA LEGAL (Mar. 21, 2020). , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3585743

Michael Conklin (Contact Author)

Angelo State University - Business Law ( email )

United States

Texas A&M University School of Law ( email )

Tarrant County
United States

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