Telling Stories from Prisons: Ethics and Practices

In this dynamic and thought-provoking course, we delve into the powerful role of journalism and media in shaping public perception of those who have committed crimes. With a focus on ethics, restorative justice, and the human impact of crime reporting, we examine how storytelling can influence reintegration and societal healing.

What you’ll learn:

• The Ethical Role of Journalism: Understand the responsibilities journalists have when reporting on crime and incarcerated individuals, and how ethical reporting can impact reintegration efforts.
• Restorative Justice: Gain insight into the principles of restorative justice and how they contrast with traditional punitive systems, advocating for rehabilitation over punishment.
• The Power of Language: Explore how the language used in crime reporting can either stigmatize or humanize individuals, affecting both public opinion and the individuals involved.
• Media Bias and Its Consequences: Analyze the effects of biased media portrayals on public attitudes toward prisoners, ex-prisoners, and the criminal justice system as a whole.
• Humanizing Crime Stories: Learn practical strategies for telling stories that focus on the complexities of people’s lives, offering deeper empathy and understanding while holding individuals accountable.
• Real-World Case Studies: Engage with real-world examples of crime reporting, exploring both successful and problematic media portrayals, and their societal impact.
• Practical Reporting Skills: Develop the tools to ethically write, report, and interview, with a focus on fairness, objectivity, and humanizing stories.

Why take this course?

• Understand the intersection of crime, media, and justice, and how journalists can drive positive social change.
• Gain the skills to challenge harmful stereotypes and contribute to a more empathetic and rehabilitative criminal justice system.
• Learn to use your voice to foster understanding, accountability, and societal healing in your writing, reporting, and storytelling.

By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to contribute to a justice system that doesn’t just punish, but repairs, restores, and transforms lives. Whether you’re a journalist, student, or advocate, you’ll leave with the tools to make a real difference.