The Marshall Project

Definition

The Marshall Project is a non-profit news organization dedicated to covering the criminal justice system in the United States. It aims to provide in-depth reporting and analysis on issues such as mass incarceration, police practices, and the impact of violence in communities. By focusing on these critical topics, The Marshall Project seeks to inform the public and foster discussions about reforming the justice system and addressing the root causes of violence and crime.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Founded in 2014, The Marshall Project was created to fill the gap in journalism focused specifically on criminal justice issues in America.
2. The organization collaborates with various media outlets to amplify its reporting, reaching a broader audience on topics related to violence and the legal system.
3. The Marshall Project emphasizes storytelling that highlights personal experiences and systemic issues, helping to humanize individuals impacted by crime and punishment.
4. Through its research and reporting, The Marshall Project advocates for transparency within the criminal justice system and seeks to hold institutions accountable.
5. The organization has won numerous awards for its impactful journalism, contributing significantly to public understanding of mass shootings, terrorism, and other forms of violence.

Review Questions

• How does The Marshall Project contribute to public understanding of violence within the criminal justice system?
  • The Marshall Project enhances public understanding of violence by providing in-depth reporting that delves into the systemic issues contributing to crime and incarceration. Through its investigations, it sheds light on topics like mass shootings and police practices, illustrating the real-world impacts on individuals and communities. By presenting both statistical data and personal stories, The Marshall Project helps foster a more nuanced conversation about violence and justice reform.
• In what ways does The Marshall Project's approach to storytelling differ from traditional news coverage of violent events?
  • The Marshall Project's approach differs from traditional news coverage by emphasizing narrative-driven reporting that connects broader systemic issues with individual experiences. Instead of solely focusing on the events themselves, such as mass shootings or acts of terrorism, it explores the root causes and consequences of these incidents. This method not only informs readers about what happened but also encourages them to consider why these events occur and how they can be addressed through policy changes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of The Marshall Project's collaboration with other media outlets in addressing issues related to violence and criminal justice.
  • The collaboration between The Marshall Project and other media outlets is highly effective in amplifying crucial conversations around violence and criminal justice. By partnering with established news organizations, it broadens its reach and ensures that critical stories receive greater visibility. This collective effort helps to inform diverse audiences about pressing issues such as mass incarceration and police violence, ultimately fostering more comprehensive discussions about necessary reforms within the justice system.

Related terms

Criminal Justice Reform: Efforts aimed at improving the fairness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the criminal justice system, including changes to laws, policies, and practices.

Investigative Journalism: A form of journalism that seeks to uncover hidden information and provide in-depth analysis of complex issues, often involving extensive research and interviews.

Mass Incarceration: The substantial increase in the number of individuals incarcerated in the United States, particularly among marginalized communities, often driven by harsh sentencing laws and systemic inequalities.