Introduction
Movements can have an immense effect when it comes to limelight cases like Lyle and Erik Menedez’s case, in 1989. The case of the Menendez brothers has welcomed thousands of supporters from the online community who are overly sympathetic to their conviction ( Murtha, 2021). One of the media platforms that attracted global attention concerning the Menendez brothers is Tiktok. The Menendez brothers now have a new movement on the social media platform Tiktok, who are frequently debating how we define truth, justice, and equality (Rand, n.d). There are several high-impact posts and videos with emotional speeches about the two brothers on Tiktok ( Murtha, 2021). These videos have fueled debates that have influenced public opinion about the Menendez brothers’ case ( Rand, n.d). Overall, media coverage has impacted the way individuals across America and all over the world view the two brothers’ case.
Fairness
During the first hearing of their case, the Menendez attorneys defended the brothers by saying that they were victims of child abuse by their father. They attacked the parents to show that the two brothers were in “ imminent danger”. However, the claims were contradicting and the juries announced that they could not decide since they were dreadlocked. In the second trial, the judge felt that the first trial was influenced, and on April 17, 1996, the two brothers were convicted without any possibility of parole. They were given life sentences in different facilities. The judicial process was fair and equitable since the brothers deliberately killed the parents. In addition, Erik confessed to his psychiatrist that they had killed their parents. The judicial process caused controversy since the first trial was unsuccessful. In addition, the second trial was less publicized since media personalities were barred from covering the case.
Reaction Explanation
The two brothers were sentenced to life without parole. The system believed the two brothers were self-centered and killed their parents for money. As a result of their parental sexual and emotional abuse, the brothers killed their parents in self-defense, which the media dubbed the “abuse excuse”. Mr. Conn agreed that the two were guilty of murder and their denials were a ruse to inherit their parents’ wealth (Waxman, 1986).
Reaction Defense
The jury found both brothers guilty of first-degree murder. The jury rejected their claim that sexual and emotional abuse drove them to murder their parents, so they got life without parole. The second verdict came after the first one failed due to a deadlock. The court’s decision was effective because the brothers’ argument was deemed “imperfect self-defense” (Waxman, 1996).
Alternatives Explanation
The court system could have effectively responded by allowing the media to cover the second trial. The courtroom was closed off to journalists and other people with cameras in an undisclosed manner. After the case, the two brothers could not talk to anyone or stay in the same place. They were separated and imprisoned separately. While this was the right decision at the time, the brothers could have been held in the same facility. The public was concerned about the verdict’s effectiveness because they were held in separate facilities.
Conclusion
After convicting the two brothers of murder, the court denied public coverage of the mistrial. Instead, the jury could have allowed media coverage and public scrutiny of the case. The secret verdict worsened the situation, prompting internet teams to demand the two be released (Vyas, 2021). Also, the jury did not consider some of the current media videos. The brothers’ psychiatrist released these videos regarding parental abuse.
References
Murtha, E. (2021). The Menendez brothers are back in the zeitgeist thanks to teens on TikTok: Reporter’s Notebook. abcnews. Web.
Rand, R. (n.d.). The new Menendez defenders: The international movement of supporters who want Lyle and Erik set free. The Menendez Murders. Web.
Crime Museum. (n.d.). Erik and Lyle Mendez. Web.
Vyas, T. (2021). M. Menendez brothers found guilty. Washington Post. Web.