The concept of trial journalism can be greatly understood by the viral trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in 2022. The way it captivated the world by the storm, that a person who didn’t want to be involved with the news also knew its facts and figures. These trials contribute to the public’s fascination, attention and intrigue. It adds and delivers the dramatic statements of the people in trial that captivates the public and media around the world. It makes people understand the right side of the story and sympathise with the victims.
Moreover, what adds the more suspense and thrill in these trials is the active presence and involvement of celebrities and their emotional dramas. What we usually see or perceive on screen, behind the screens the life is totally different for the people. They spark many speculations about the case proceedings and their emotional life experience. Hence, these elements add to the thrill and joy for the audiences and fans who are their favourite celebrity and are in support of them. Most of the fans even support the opposite side because they know what’s the right or wrong side in the trials.
To add more suspense and drama, we’ll unfold and reveal the ten most followed real-life criminal trials that are cemented in our TV history:
10) Ted Bundy:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1979, Ted Bundy’s trial was shown to the public worldwide. It was the very first trial on TV nationwide. This trial took global attention due to Bundy’s charming personality and good looks which made people instantly curious. Bundy was found guilty of two murders and was sentenced to death. It was the first trial paving the way for future high-profile cases to be broadcast live. The main purpose for these trials to be broadcasted is so the public can consume the true crime stories and enlighten themselves.
9) The Menendez Brothers:
Source: The New York Times
In 1989, The Menendez Brothers Lyle and Erik captivated the public’s attention through their wealth and charisma. They were accused of murdering their parents. This news shocked the public worldwide and everyone was quite hooked. The case was quite controversial, according to the detectives the brothers killed their parents so they could acquire all the inheritance. The first trial ended in a mistrial while the brothers were convicted in the second trial. This caused public interest and ratings for the trial.
8) O.J Simpson:
Source: Wikipedia
O.J. Simpson’s story is one of the most dramatic stories in American history. He’s a world-renowned footballer and successful actor. He was accused of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her best friend. This news fascinated the entire world, it was like a scene straight out of the movie. The trial began in 1995 and sparked a media frenzy, becoming the most-watched trial. As the jury delivered the verdict as not guilty the suspense was on the rise. Everyone was so involved in the trial, that the were biting nails in the suspense and thrill.
7) Adolf Eichmann:
Source: Wikipedia
Adolf Eichmann was a notorious war criminal, who was responsible for transporting Jews to Nazi death camps during World War II. The trial of Eichmann began in 1961, making world history as the first television trial. Israeli television media arranged all the cameras and allowed the entire trial to be broadcast till the end. It was an important moment for Jews as Eichmann was giving the testimony of Holocaust survivors. This trial highlighted the atrocities and violence that people faced in concentration camps. It educated the world about the horrors of warfare. At the end of the trial, Eichmann was found guilty and executed in 1962.
6) William Kennedy Smith:
Source: Wikipedia
The nephew of President John F Kennedy, William Kennedy Smith was the center of attention for the American media as he was accused of rape in 1991. The trial grabbed the attention of the media. Based on Bowman’s testimony and the neighbor’s lack of evidence William Kennedy was not found guilty of the charges against him.
5) Jeffrey Dahmer:
Source: Wikipedia
In 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer was acquitted of killing more than 15 people. His trial was the most shocking trial to be broadcast. The TV Channels covered the trial all day and night. There were disturbing revelations in the trial, hence to protect viewers the broadcast was delayed. The victims of the disturbing murder belonged to Milwaukee. Dahmer got a lifetime sentence of over 1000 years but was killed by another inmate in the prison.
4) Rodney King:
Source: The New York Times
In 1992, Rodney King was brutally beaten by the police in Los Angeles. King was brutally intoxicated and beaten by LAPD officers. This shocking event was also caught on the cameras and a witness also testified for brutality. This news sparked outrage nationwide. The trial took place and the police officers convicted of assault were met with charges. The courtroom was met with a significant interest and hence, was nationwide watched.
The real chaos erupted when officers were acquitted and it frustrated everyone, leading to a riot. Later, it was revealed that there were deep-seated racial tensions and police brutality in Los Angeles. This case highlighted that even the caretaker of the society and government should be testified and held accountable for their actions.
3) Casey Anthony:
Source: NBC News
In 2008, the shocking discovery of a two-year-old child’s body in Florida captured the attention of the public worldwide. The case was covered in detail by Nancy Grace on her show. The deceased child’s mother was Casey Anthony who shared false information and statements misleading the police about her daughter’s whereabouts. As the details about the case were revealing shocking insights, the television rating points were increasing for the show. This led to the trial of Casey in 2011 and she passed shocking statements that revealed that Grace’s meticulous case study demonstrated the importance of seeking justice against such heinous crimes.
2) Jodi Arias:
Source: CNN
This incident took place in 2008, when Travis Alexander was found brutally stabbed to death and police suspected his ex-girlfriend, Jodi Arias behind the assault. The case was very complex and took almost 5-7 years to resolve, unfolding the disturbing details. After many trials, finally, Arias admitted to killing Alexander. She also took photographs of him as he bled to death. This trial was also covered by Nancy Grace as she revealed shocking details of Arias’ life and her sick mindset. In 2013, Arias was found guilty of the murder of her boyfriend and she was sentenced to life in prison for the crimes.
1) Lindsay Lohan:
Source: Wikipedia
Lindsay Lohan is a media sensation who faced trial for her reckless conduct. In 2010, Lindsay was charged with two felonies, the first one was two drunk driving arrests and multiple probation violations. When Lindsay appeared in court, she started weeping uncontrollably and this caught the media’s attention. The trial also recorded some profane and inappropriate messages written on Lindsay’s fingernails which further made media curious about the matter. However, the Judge ordered 90 days in jail, 90 days in rehab and 90 days in outpatient treatment program. This trial captured the attention of the public due to the celebrity involvement with this case, emotional appearances and huge social media coverage.
