A cross-analysis of criminal convictions and the content of French television news programmes (the 8.00 pm news on TF1 and France 2) highlights the influence of the media context on court rulings. We find that, in assize courts, sentences are harsher in the days following reports on crime news stories and, conversely, more lenient following reports on miscarriages of justice. This effect is not due to actual changes in crime rates, but to a reaction to media coverage. It is a very short-term influence – only reports broadcast the previous day matter – and is all the stronger when television viewing figures are high. Furthermore, only news concerning the justice system affects sentences. Other ‘bad news’ – stories about natural disasters or unemployment – has no effect on the sentences handed down. Our findings also indicate that the media influence sentences only in assize courts, where professional judges and lay jurors sit together. Criminal courts composed solely of professional judges – Correctional courts and juvenile courts – are not affected. Professional experience therefore appears to be a means of limiting the media’s influence on judicial decisions.
The impact of the media on court rulings
This paper highlights the importance of the media context in the criminal justice system, as reflected in the content of 8 pm television news programmes, and thereby raises questions about the equality of defendants before the law.
Reference IPP Policy Brief No. 22
Presentation
Key Results
- On average, every news report on a crime story broadcast on the 8.00 pm news increases the length of sentences handed down the following day by the Assize courts by 24 days.
- Each report on miscarriages of justice reduces the sentences handed down the following day by the Assize Courts by an average of 37 days.
- These effects are linked to media coverage and not to any actual change in the number of crimes committed.
- The probability of being acquitted is not affected by media content.
- Only news items relating to the judicial system have an influence on sentences.
- The media’s effect on sentences is limited to Assize courts, and does not extend to criminal courts composed solely of professional judges.
