The Netflix documentary “Making a Murderer” has caused an outcry for justice in a system that is perceived by many as unjust. Taking social media by storm, this series has led to a downpour of compelling discussions on interview and interrogation techniques, false confessions, and alleged corruption in the criminal justice system. It is an incredible example of how quickly and easily our society becomes divided and blinded when discussing potential injustice and impropriety during a criminal investigation.
Wicklander-Zulawski’s David Thompson, CFI, looks at the series from a trained investigator’s eyes to provide an analysis of flaws in the criminal justice system as well as the impact of potential media persuasion and bias. Even for readers who have not seen the television series, the article in the March-April 2016 issue is a must read.
“If nothing else, this documentary stirs up a conversation as to the ethical and legal limitations and responsibilities of the criminal justice system, as well as the ease of persuading and dividing the general public through the media. Moving forward, interviewers and investigators alike should remind themselves of the high ethical standard they are held to, and they must act accordingly while performing the very challenging task of bringing down the full weight of justice by obtaining the truth from sometimes untruthful subjects during a criminal investigation,” concludes Thompson.
You can read the entire feature article in the March-April issue online as well as in a PDF version via the Print Archive.