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Video Links

“Spotlight” and the Catholic Church Scandal that Inspired it

In the 12.21 minute Yahoo News special examining the film Spotlight this video examines the Catholic Church abuse scandal and the role of the film Scandal in providing a look into how these cases were investigated.

1. Discuss the role of Spotlight in reporting the Catholic Church scandal to the public. Can films like this be used to help education the public about abuses in the religious systems? What are some of the key concerns raised by the film?
    

The Untouchables: America’s Misbehaving Prosecutors, and the system that Protects them

In this 7.35 minute story from the Huffington Post the issues around prosecutorial discretion and abuses of this discretion and power are explored. Prosecutorial immunity is presented and examined.

1. Based on the discussion of prosecutorial discretion presented does self-regulation work to prevent abuses of power? What alternatives to self-regulation are presented? Consider if these are more effective.
    

Audio Links

Trial Probes Misconduct in Post-Katrina (11:51)

This program centers on the opening phase of the trial of police officers in New Orleans accused of misconduct after Hurricane Katrina.  Officers opened fire on a group of unarmed civilians on a bridge six days after the hurricane leaving one woman, the first to testify, without one of her arms.  Interviewees bring up the possibility of cover-ups, as well as highlight allegations of misconduct against the New Orleans Police Department that surfaced prior to Katrina. The Katrina police misconduct scandal is but one of many allegations of police misconduct and can facilitate discussion about abuse of police power.

1. How did police misconduct express itself in this case?  We used surprised by the widespread nature of this scandal? What can be done to prevent police misconduct scandals like this from occurring in the future?
    

Catholic Priest talks about sex abuse (4:46)

In this edition of All Things Considered, Michele Norris interviews Roman Catholic Priest Robert Hoatson about the Catholic Church after the wave of child sexual abuse allegations levied against Catholic Church officials. Hoatson, a victim of sexual abuse, discusses the findings of the John Jay report and describes what he thinks caused such widespread abuse. 

1. What is the church’s role in preventing this type of abuse, could it have been prevented?