Watch The Crimes That Changed Us

The Crimes That Changed Us is a documentary series that aired on Investigation Discovery in 2020. This show delves into some of the most notorious and impactful criminal cases that have altered legal practices and societal norms in the US. Throughout the eight-episode season, the show navigates through a variety of crimes, such as child abuse, sexual assault, murder, and police brutality. Each episode features interviews with experts in the field, family members of the victims, law enforcement personnel, and sometimes even the perpetrators themselves.

One of the cases explored on The Crimes That Changed Us is the McMartin Preschool Trial in 1980s California. The trial marked a turning point in how child abuse allegations were handled by the legal system. The series also examines the Central Park Five case, where five young Black and Latino men were wrongfully convicted for a crime they did not commit, an incident in 1985 that changed the way the police interview suspects, and many others.

Each episode not only delves into the crime itself but also analyzes how it sparked new legislation, awareness campaigns, and societal change. The show does a great job of contextualizing the cases and explaining why they were significant in terms of legal history and social justice.

Ray Buckey, Mary de Young, and Forrest Latiner are the key figures that lead the audience through the episodes. Buckey was the main defendant in the McMartin Preschool Trial, de Young is a forensic psychologist who has testified in various cases, and Latiner is a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.

Their expertise and personal experience with these cases add a significant amount of depth and perspective as they navigate through each episode. Buckey shares his firsthand account in the McMartin Preschool Trial, while de Young and Latiner break down how certain legal practices impacted each case.

It is noteworthy that instead of focusing solely on the crimes and their sensational aspects, this series really strives to capture the human impact of these events. The interviews with survivors and family members are often heartbreaking, and they provide the viewer with a deeper understanding of how these cases affected real people.

Overall, The Crimes That Changed Us is an excellent documentary series for anyone interested in criminal justice history or true crime stories. The show is masterfully crafted with a careful balance of objectivity and empathy, providing an insightful, educational and gripping viewing experience.

The Crimes That Changed Us is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on November 11, 2020.