American Justice Season 2003 Episode 12 The Central Park Jogger Case: What Went Wrong?

In season 2003 episode 12 of American Justice titled "The Central Park Jogger Case: What Went Wrong?", the show takes a deep dive into one of the most controversial and heavily publicized cases in New York City's history.

In 1989, a young white woman was brutally assaulted while jogging in Central Park. The case quickly gained national attention, and five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and charged with the crime. The media dubbed them the "Central Park Five," and they quickly became symbols of the city's perceived lawlessness and racial tensions.

The episode begins by detailing the horrific nature of the crime, including interviews with some of the police officers who were on the scene that night. The show also interviews members of the victim's family and some of the prosecutors who worked on the case.

However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that things were not as cut and dry as they seemed. The five teenagers, who were between 14 and 16 years old at the time, were subjected to long hours of interrogation without parental supervision or legal representation. They eventually confessed to the crime, but later recanted their statements, claiming that they had been coerced by police.

The show explores the ways in which the media played a significant role in shaping public perception of the case. The defendants were demonized in newspapers and on TV as violent, out-of-control thugs. Even after DNA evidence linked a known serial rapist to the crime, many people refused to believe that the five teenagers were not responsible.

The episode also documents the legal battle that ensued after the truth came out. The defendants' convictions were eventually vacated, and they were awarded a settlement from the city for their wrongful imprisonment. However, their lives were irreparably damaged by the experience, and their relationships with their families were forever altered.

Overall, "The Central Park Jogger Case: What Went Wrong?" is a sobering reminder of the dangers of rushing to judgement and the importance of protecting the rights of the accused. The show highlights the many ways in which the criminal justice system failed both the victim and the defendants in this case.