Case Studies of Famous Trials and the Construction of Guilt and Innocence

From the trials of Oscar Pistorius to O. J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, this innovative book provides a critical review of 11 high profile criminal cases. These case studies examine how 'guilt' and 'innocence' are constructed in the courts and in wider society, using the themes of evidence and narratives; credibility; rhetoric and oratory in the court room; social status; vulnerability and false confessions; diminished responsibility and the media and social judgments. Written for Criminology, Sociology, Law, and Criminal Justice students, the book includes: * video links to selected documentaries and interviews * web links to important case materials such as trial transcripts * exercises for students based on the cases that are covered The book delivers an accessible examination of the criminological, sociological, psychological and legal processes underpinning the outcome of criminal cases, and their representation in the media and wider society.