|
In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled
the unfair trial of Dr. Samuel Holmes Sheppard a "trial by
newspaper." In a subsequent fair trial, Dr. Sheppard was
found "not guilty." Sheppard v. Maxwell set new
standards for the role of the media in criminal justice matters
which still stand today. Sadly, in Cleveland some members of the
media still don't get it.
In 1954, newspapers from Columbus, Toledo, Akron and elsewhere
all questioned the outrageous headlines and biased reporting
by the three newspapers in Cleveland. While it was much more subtle,
today's Cleveland Plain Dealer was again biased in favor of
the State, this time limiting its reporters to less then 12 inches
of copy, and often burying the story deep in the metro section.
Often, it was difficult to believe the two Plain Dealer reporters
were in the same courtroom as we were in!"
Just as soon as we can get to it, we will post a day by day
comparison of the reporting by both the Cleveland Plain Dealer and
the Akron Beacon Journal. Both papers sent people to the full trial,
but only the Beacon Journal can be said to have reported fairly. But
don't take our word for it. Check back soon to read and compare for
yourself.
Your comments and submissions are welcome. Please send to
infodesk@samreesesheppard.org
|
Sam Reese Sheppard and Phil
King of the Bruderhof Community prepare to cross into
Cuyahoga County. Up until this point in Sam's "Walk
for Justice" from Washington, DC to Cleveland this
past fall, Sheppard's walk was front page news.
As we had done all along the way, we called the local
newspaper to invite a reporter and photographer to meet
Sam. The editor said, "Oh, I have a reporter in the
area, I'll call her on the cell phone. She'll be right
there!" Ten minutes later, when no reporter
arrived, we called again. The same editor said, "WE
ARE NOT COVERING SAM REESE SHEPPARD, OR HIS WALK!"
Welcome to Cuyahoga County, Sam! |
|
- Verdict shocks Lawyer: 10-year effort
to prove Sheppard's innocence ends with quick decision in
Cuyahoga County's favor.
Akron Beacon Journal Analysis, April 16, 2000 |
- What
Does Sam Want?
Cleveland Scene Cover Story, January 27, 2000
(We were very pleased with the fairness and accuracy
of the advance story, so when he asked, Cleveland
Scene's editor was given unprecedented access to the
inside circle of attorneys and supporters over the
course of the trial. Almost every week there was a
tidbit of "human interest" in the Scene's
gossip column, "The Edge." Sadly, however,
the final assessment failed to provide an
alternative to what Clevelanders get in the Plain
Dealer. Visit www.clevescene.com
and do a search for "Sam Reese Sheppard"
for a listing of everything Cleveland Scene Magazine
has published on this case.)
|
|
