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: • exercises to extend thinking on each case; • recommended readings for studying the cases and concepts discussed in each chapter; • an extensive specialist reference list including web links to videos and transcripts pertaining to many of the cases discussed in the book. 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.

This Handbook brings together the voices of a range of contributors interested in the many varied experiences of women in criminal justice systems, and who are seeking to challenge the status quo. Although there is increasing literature and research on gender, and certain aspects of the criminal justice system (often Western focused), there is a significant gap in the form of a Handbook that brings together these important gendered conversations. This essential book explores research and theory on how women are perceived, handled, and experience criminal justice within and across different jurisdictions, with particular consideration of gendered and disparate treatment of women as law-breakers. There is also consideration of women’s experiences through an intersectional lens, including race and class, as well as feminist scholarship and activism. The Handbook contains 47 unique chapters with nine overarching themes (Lessons from history and theory; Routes into the criminal justice system; Intersectionality; Sentencing and the courts and community punishments; Specific offences; Incarcerated women’s experiences; Mothers and families; Rehabilitation and reintegration; Practitioner relationships), and each theme includes contributions from different countries as well as the experiences of contributors from different stages in their own journey. International and interdisciplinary in scope, this Handbook is essential reading for scholars and students of criminology, sociology, social policy, social work, and law. It will also be of interest to practitioners, such as social workers, probation officers, prison officers, and policy makers.

Examines thirty-four notable trials from throughout history including those of Jesus, Joan of Arc, Adolf Eichmann, Socrates, and Nelson Mandela.

Controversies in Innocence Cases in America brings together leading experts on the investigation, litigation, and scholarly analysis of innocence cases in America, from legal, political and ethical perspectives. The contributors, many of whom work on these cases daily, investigate contemporary issues presented by innocence cases and the exoneration movement as a whole. These issues include the challenges faced by the movement, causes of wrongful convictions, problems associated with investigating, proving, and defining 'innocence', and theories of reform. Each issue is placed within a multi-disciplinary perspective to provide cogent observations and recommendations for the effective handling of these cases, and for what changes should be adopted in order to improve the American criminal justice system when it is faced with its most harrowing sight: an innocent defendant.

Criminal trials become famous for a variety of reasons. In the 1920s the Sacco and Vanzetti trial and execution prompted demonstrations and violent riots around the globe and divided opinion in the U.S. The kidnapping of the son of aviation hero Charles Lindbergh in the 1930s similarly caused outrage and horror and led to the passing of the Federal Kidnapping Act. As for the trials of Dr. Sam Sheppard in the 1950s, it was the weakness of his alibi in the murder of his pregnant wife that drew so much attention, while in the 1940s John George Haigh's method of dissolving the bodies of his victims in sulphuric acid had Britain captivated. This book describes these and other fascinating cases--many re-examined to surprising effect with the latest advances in detection and forensics. Each title in this series contains a foreword from the Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Association, color photos throughout, charts, and back matter including: an index, chronology, and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

In an effort to show history really does repeat itself and highlight great issues of our times, this book captures the essence of certain trials that took place in the history of the United States and reminds us that many issues of old are still with us, yet unresolved and subject to great continuing public interest. The author argues public perceptions of guilt or innocence are often wrong and actually could have effected the results of famous trials. Celebrity murders, governmental manipulation, death penalty and civil rights issues provide some of the backdrop for discussions. the guilt of famous accused ax murderess, Lizzi Borden, a white, church-going maiden from England is compared with the terrorists Sacco and Vanzetti. Murder of a child by other youths, Leopold and Loeb, creates a forum to discuss the death penalty as argued by famous trial lawyer Clarence Darrow. the death penalty as applied to minors was only recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. the Civil Rights Movement developing from the Scottsboro Boys trial and World War II is analyzed. Military commissions and tribunals, the treatment of Prisoners of War and enemy combatants are issues that arise out of the Nuremburg trial. Social and religious debates are dealt with in the Scopes Monkey trial, the right of choice developed in Roe v. Wade and the special college admission case of Bakke v. Regents of the University of California. Finally, the impeachments and trials of Clinton and Johnson are compared. This review of the last 100 years in the Courts wherein major issues, many still with us, is enlightening and thought provoking.

The most-watched American trials of the 20th century were centered around these issues. They became famous because people found them so interesting. The issues addressed their deepest beliefs. And they touched on their deepest fears. Each of these cases left its mark on the 20th century. Book jacket.