Background Noise: Lessons about Media Influence, Mitigation Measures, and Mens Rea from Argentine and U.S. Criminal Cases

50 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2023 Last revised: 18 Feb 2024

See all articles by Matthew Cavedon

Matthew Cavedon

Emory University - Center for the Study of Law and Religion

Agustina Mitre

Austral University; Universidad Nacional de Tucuman

Date Written: August 1, 2023

Abstract

This article reflects on the influence that intense media coverage can have on high-profile criminal cases and considers ways to reconcile defendants’ right to a fair trial with press freedom, comparing approaches and cases from Argentina and the U.S. Prof. Mire begins by discussing the tension between journalists’ and defendants’ rights (Part 1). Prof. Cavedon then surveys how the U.S. seeks to mitigate media influence (Part 2). After this, Prof. Mitre notes two recent Argentine mitigation measures (Part 3). She next conducts a legal analysis of the Fernando Báez Sosa case, blaming media pressure for errors in the judgment and then proposing a different resolution based on recent developments in the doctrine of extreme recklessness (Part 4). Finally, Prof. Cavedon identifies how U.S. criminal proceedings are (similarly and dissimilarly) susceptible to media pressure, considering the Kyle Rittenhouse prosecution and the campaign to pardon Daniel Perry (Part 5).

Keywords: media, criminal law, mens rea, recklessness, homicide, intent, murder, Argentina, Fernando Baez Sosa, Kyle Rittenhouse, Daniel Perry

Suggested Citation

Cavedon, Matthew and Mitre, Agustina, Background Noise: Lessons about Media Influence, Mitigation Measures, and Mens Rea from Argentine and U.S. Criminal Cases (August 1, 2023). Brooklyn Journal of International Law, Vol. 49, No. 1, 2024, pp. 1-49, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4527532 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4527532

Matthew Cavedon (Contact Author)

Emory University - Center for the Study of Law and Religion ( email )

201 Dowman Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

Agustina Mitre

Austral University ( email )

Cerrito 1250
Capital Federal, Buenos Aires C1010AAZZ
Argentina

Universidad Nacional de Tucuman ( email )

25 de Mayo 474
San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán 4000
Argentina

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