Mugshots are typically taken at the time of arrest, before a person has been either acquitted or convicted of a crime. How should that impact how journalists think about publishing mugshots?
MugshotsStylistic Choices
Discussion Question
How does the publication of mugshots affect the people in them? Their families? Their communities?
MugshotsStylistic Choices
Discussion Question
What effect does the publication of mugshots have on viewers/readers?
MugshotsStylistic Choices
Discussion Question
What kinds of news stories do mugshots typically appear in? Do you think those stories are newsworthy? Why or why not?
MugshotsStylistic Choices
Discussion Question
What is the journalistic purpose of publishing a mugshot?
MugshotsStylistic Choices
Discussion Question
If your newsroom has carefully considered the situation and decided you do need to publish a picture of a person accused or convicted of a crime, what types of images could be used? Where could you find those images?
MugshotsStylistic Choices
Discussion Question
Some news outlets maintain online “mugshot galleries” where viewers can scroll through pictures of people recently arrested in their community. Do you think there is journalistic value in these galleries? Why or why not?