The rise of true crime podcasts, television shows, and independent reporting has dramatically changed the way people perceive and engage with the criminal justice system. Not only have some independent sleuths solved cold cases, but many true crime YouTubers have gotten people to see cases (and crime) in a new light.
The existence of true crime content creators on various platforms has become a powerful tool for advocacy and investigation, and often exposes corruption and injustice in the system. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, true crime podcasts consistently create real change in the world in the following ways.
Exposing corruption
There’s no denying that the justice system is far from perfect, but sometimes it’s intentionally biased and/or corrupt. Some true crime podcasters are exceptionally good at exposing corruption uncovered during their research. For instance, they often dig into cases and find what appear to be false confessions and outright harassment by police officers who make suspects believe they can’t call a lawyer.
It’s crucial for someone to have a good defense attorney when facing criminal charges because anything they say can be used against them, even if it seems innocent, says nashvilletnlaw.com. However, some suspects are coerced into talking to police before they secure an attorney, and that’s when they incriminate themselves.
Sometimes, true crime podcasters get ahold of the videotaped interrogations, discover police misconduct, and expose it to the world. This, in turn, can drastically alter the public’s opinion of a suspect or person who has been convicted when it’s obvious they were mistreated.
Investigative support
When true crime podcasters start publishing information about various cases, it tends to draw a crowd of supporters for the case. In some cases, it can lead to crowdsourcing information and tips, especially if a suspect has a history online, and can generate the funding required for private DNA testing and other forms of forensic analysis.
Frequently, a true crime podcaster will come across new evidence or at least details that were dismissed or overlooked, and it can drastically change the direction of an investigation to eventually catch the responsible party. For example, when a retired detective and investigative journalist teamed up to produce The Murder Squad podcast, they were able to solve a kidnapping and murder case.
Several other true crime podcasts have successfully led to solved crimes, including Your Own Backyard, The Murder Sheet, Countdown to Capture, and more. Some podcasts have even gotten people released.
An increase in empathy
Most people can’t imagine perpetrating a serious crime, while others know what it’s like to be the victim. Few actually experience life from the perspective of the perpetrator, which makes it generally hard to empathize with them. This is especially true when the only source of information is through the news media and documentaries that are always skewed to demonize the perpetrator or suspect, even after they’ve been found innocent.
True crime podcasters do things differently than Hollywood. They don’t typically sensationalize a crime for ratings, views, or reactions. They present information in a factual manner and while they often draw conclusions, it’s based on the evidence, and speculation is always clearly stated as such. True crime podcasters don’t tell people what to believe or how to think, and often approach situations with an existing level of empathy for everyone involved, even the perpetrators. This open-mindedness often gets listeners to think in new ways and find empathy where they once only felt contempt.
Legal system changes
Sometimes a true crime podcast has far-reaching effects on the legal system. Some shows have gotten cases reopened and reviewed, and the information presented has influenced policy and procedural changes.
The potential resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez is one of the biggest examples of this type of influence. The two brothers killed their parents in 1989 after allegedly being sexually abused by their father. Netflix made a movie and series about the brothers, and before long, they had the world’s empathy and officials fighting for their release.
Victim advocacy
True crime podcasts help to amplify victims’ voices and stories, while helping families in their search for justice. It can help connect victims’ families with resources, a support network, and even funding.
True crime podcasts support accountability
As true crime podcasts become more popular, their impact on the criminal justice system will only grow stronger. These productions will continue raising awareness around specific cases, unjust laws, and corruption, while advocating for victims and their families. True crime podcasts have become a vital tool for keeping the criminal justice system accountable, and will ensure that no case is ever forgotten.