Media Law Lecture 7 - Investigative Journalism

I have left the lecture this morning feeling extremely awake and in an interrogative mood. Brian left us all with an overview into the case of David Morris, as this is part of our third year studies: 'The Innocence Project'. It fascinates me, and gives me an intense burst of excitement to want to fast forward the next two years. But until then, I will wait, and continue to read all about it.

I guess, my enthusiasm got the better of me, so I have began this blog with how the lecture ended, rather than how it started. So back to the start - Investigative Journalism.  This simply means reporting everyday news of events that someone somewhere doesn't want you to know about, and in other words publish. As De Burgh says: "Discover the Truth"

The term "off diary" can be used to explain investigative journalism, as you set your own agenda and prepare what it is you wish to investigate yourself. In comparison to ordinary 'news' journalism whereby you explain news which has been determined by public agenda. There are two key points to be aware of during investigation, malice and conflict of interest. 

Miscarriage of Justice 

The classic "off agenda" is miscarriage of Justice, this means people are framed and convicted for something they didn't do. After Guildford 4 and Birmingham 6, The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) was set up to investigate alleged cases of miscarriage of justice, however, this was not effective and therefore did not work. The legal system has raised the interrogative "but what if the criminal justice system is corrupt?" this leaves hope in the hands of journalists. Now you can see why I began with The Innocence Project because it all ties in nicely; as training journalists we carry this investigation out, we are "students doing something worthwhile" check out the website for more detailed information: http://www.innocenceproject.org/