Post #3: Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka - Canadian Examples

 

Now that you know what a publication ban is, let me introduce you to Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka.

 

They are two people who committed brutal and atrocious acts against innocent people. Take for example two females, Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2010).

Did they deserve to die?

When I found out about this case I was so mad and disgusted at the fact that humans were capable of doing such heinous things. I believe they deserved the highest punishment and that Karla Homolka got off with a slap on the hand. She deserved a seat in jail right next to Bernardo and should not have been given a plea deal.

When Homolka pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter her pleas and the statements she gave against Bernardo, were under a publication ban. This was put into place to ensure that Bernardo had a fair trial (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 2010).

No matter what my feelings are towards these two individuals, this publication ban was needed to protect Bernardo. We all have a right to a fair trial and that goes for Bernardo as well. I also feel that this publication ban was put into place to also protect the victims’ memories. Out of respect for their families, the ban would help them grieve and heal at a time when all that seems impossible.

I encourage you to read about the media’s reaction to the publication ban by going to this website:  http://www.rrj.ca/m3688/.

If you want to learn more about the timeline of events of the Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka case go to http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/06/16/f-bernardo-homolka-timeline.html.

References

Berman, David. (1995). Right to Know. Ryerson Review of Journalism. Retrieved from

http://www.rrj.ca/m3688/

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. (2010). Key Events in the Bernardo/Homolka

Case. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/06/16/f-

bernardo-homolka-timeline.html

Reyes, T. (2011). Timeline of Serial Killer Couple Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo. Retrieved from http://karlamovie.blogspot.ca/
 

*The third reference is for the picture that is posted in this blog *

 

 

 

Post #2: What is a Publication Ban?

According to the Department of Justice Canada, a publication ban is used to disallow the media and or the public from making any information or assumptions known to the outer world. This is because it may affect those involved such as the victim, witness and the accused. It may also affect the outcome of the trial. The ban is also implemented to ensure that those involved or affected by the trial receive fair treatment (Department of Justice Canada, n.d.).

Publication bans are not necessarily mandatory but there are exceptions. A judge must issue a publication ban in cases of sexual assault because of the impact the crime has on the victim and the witnesses (if any). In cases that do not deal with sexual assault, judges are to use their own discretion in deciding whether or not a publication ban is needed (Department of Justice Canada, n.d.).

If you are interested in finding out whether a case is under a publication ban please go to http://www.scc-csc.gc.ca/media/decisions/index-eng.asp and under the heading of “publication ban” click on “SCC Case Information” (Supreme Court of Canada, 2012).

I think publication bans should be mandatory and not used based on a judge’s discretion. Yes, we all should be informed citizens. However, I feel that the ban should be in place until a decision has been reached. We are all innocent until proven guilty. Also, the media tends to exaggerate or sensationalize facts to increase their sales, and banning the media from releasing any information would deter any bias. I feel that jury members also need to stay open minded. If the media is able to report on the trial, and a jury member sees a newspaper article discussing the trial, their views may become biased.

Do you agree or disagree with me? Do you think publication bans are a good idea in order to ensure fairness and maintain justice for all? What is your feedback in regards to the definition of a publication ban?

 

References

Department of Justice Canada. (n.d.). Publication Ban. Retrieved from

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/ban-inter.pdf 

 

Supreme Court of Canada. (2012). Resources for Media. Retrieved from

 http://www.scc-csc.gc.ca/media/decisions/index-eng.asp

 

 

Post #1: Introduction to the Issue of Publication Bans and Cameras in the Courtrooms

 

I think I can speak for most of us when I say that we all deserve our privacy. Think about this scenario: you are at the bank machine taking money out; and someone is looking over your shoulder trying to look at your pin number. This makes you uncomfortable because it is a breach of your privacy. Your pin number is something that should only belong to you and thus is classified as a private matter.

I decided to give you the above scenario so you can start to think critically about similar issues that plague countries worldwide. The topic that I chose for the blog assignment has to deal with the media and the courts. Are publication bans and television cameras in the courtroom a good idea or a bad one? I chose this topic because there have been famous criminal cases worldwide that deal with the issue of publication bans and television cameras in the courtroom. I also have an opinion on this issue. I feel that publication bans are a good idea and that there should not be cameras in the courtrooms. This topic generates a lot of discussion and many different opinions on whether they should be allowed or not.

 

 

References

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. (2012). Ensuring the Equitable Treatment of Crime Victims in Canada. Retrieved from www.crcvc.ca 

Crushable. (2012). Celebs vs. the Paparazzi. Retrieved from http://crushable.com/entertainment/gallery-celebs-vs-the-paparazzi-408/

*The above references are for the images I have posted in this blog *