"Just the facts ma'am": The Supreme Court says "no" to media ride-alongs.

Robert Costello, Frank A. Biafora

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A recent decision by the United States Supreme Court restricting the scope and presence of the press during the execution of search/arrest warrants comes at the height of popularity of real-life crime TV. This paper explores this landmark court case within the context of our nation's voyeuristic thirst for real-life drama. Also discussed is the growing reciprocal relationship between law enforcement and the various media. While video for popular programs are often obtained at a cost of citizens' right to privacy, the authors of this paper argue that public display nevertheless plays an important function for our understanding of the criminal justice system.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalDefault journal
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999

Keywords

  • Criminal justice
  • Mass media
  • Law enforcement

Disciplines

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Sociology

Cite this