NCJ Number
153651
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 265-270
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes and assesses the classroom use of a packaged Courtroom TV presentation of the first Rodney King trial, "The Rodney King Case: What the Jury Saw in California v. Powell (1992)," a 116 minute color videotape.
Abstract
At the same time, the class watched and analyzed the second, civil rights trial on live television. Students were directed to view the classroom tape and to follow the live proceedings so as to discover grounds for possible appeal of the court's decision in the second trial; the class was asked to pay careful attention to the role of the media, particularly videotape, in both trials. Central to the students' understanding of various video presentations is a working knowledge of the concept of "backstage" versus "frontstage" behavior. Frontstage behavior is formal and planned and is performed in professional, public settings geared for specific audiences. In contrast, backstage behavior usually consists of informal, unplanned, private actions that are not intended for anyone except intimates or those insiders familiar with the inner workings of the system. Overall, as a teaching tool, packaged courtroom television videos allow students to examine both the changing role and the significant impact of the media, particularly videotape on criminal justice proceedings. If used in conjunction with text and other media, courtroom television can help students to distinguish between frontstage and backstage behavior and can foster an understanding of how the system functions. Also, it can stimulate discussion and provide valuable insights, offering students a unique view of several aspects of the criminal justice profession. 9 references