Critical moment
Snapshot of a communications turning point
May 15 2011
“Justice should not only be done, but should be seen to be done.”
In the US justice system, this aphorism is exemplified by the “Perp Walk” – the public parading of the accused in handcuffs before any verdict on their guilt. It is a longestablished ritual that has been enshrined by the media and is the modern equivalent of the pillory. In Manhattan in particular, it has a long tradition of being imposed on “white collar” criminals. Long before they faced trial, we had indelible images of the crumpled and shackled figures of Raj Rajaratnam, Ken Lay, Lea Fastow and John Rigas, being offered up to a mob of photographers and TV cameramen.
