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Telling Stories from Prisons: Ethics and Practices
Rating: 5.0 out of 5(9 ratings)
380 students

Telling Stories from Prisons: Ethics and Practices

Ethical Storytelling and Media's Role in Reintegration and Justice
Created byGediminas Kondrackis Asociacija "Aktyvus Jaunimas"
Last updated 6/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • The Ethical Role of Journalism
  • Restorative Justice
  • The Power of Language
  • Media Bias and Its Consequences
  • Humanizing Crime Stories
  • Real-World Case Studies
  • Practical Reporting Skills

Course content

1 section • 8 lectures • 34m total length

  • INTRO of the topic and myself6:12

    Meet Ieva Mackute and hear a powerful story illustrating how media portrayal impacts people after prison. This introduction sets the tone for why ethical storytelling matters in criminal justice and reintegration.

  • Understanding Criminal Justice System & Reintegration5:48

    Get a clear overview of how criminal justice systems work and explore successful models like Norway’s dynamic security and halfway houses that support effective reintegration.

  • How does media affect lives of people who committed crimes3:47

    Discover how sensationalized media coverage shapes public perception, reinforces stigma, and hinders the reintegration of people with criminal records, based on research from multiple countries.

  • How about people who were hurt?2:51

    Learn about restorative justice—a compassionate approach that centers the needs of those harmed while fostering accountability and opportunities for change.

  • Language & Narrative in Crime Reporting4:29

    Master practical tips on using respectful, precise language to tell crime stories ethically, avoiding harmful labels and sensationalism while honoring everyone’s dignity.

  • Podcast as a Storytelling Tool4:14

    Explore why podcasts are powerful for sharing intimate and complex stories about justice and incarceration—and how to find your unique storytelling angle.

  • Creating Rapport in Prisons to Create Empowering Stories6:39

    Understand the essential principles for building trust and ethical relationships inside prisons, enabling authentic and empowering storytelling without exploitation.

  • Summary0:52

    Reflect on the course’s key lessons and the importance of responsible storytelling to promote understanding, accountability, and meaningful change in justice narratives.

Requirements

  • No prior journalism experience is required
  • This course is suitable for beginners and professionals alike
  • A basic word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) for story drafting.
  • Internet access for viewing course materials and completing online exercises.
  • Critical thinking about systems of justice, bias, and representation.
  • Empathy and openness to diverse lived experiences.

Description

In this dynamic and thought-provoking course, we delve into the powerful role of journalism and media in shaping public perception of those who have committed crimes. With a focus on ethics, restorative justice, and the human impact of crime reporting, we examine how storytelling can influence reintegration and societal healing.

What you'll learn:

  • The Ethical Role of Journalism: Understand the responsibilities journalists have when reporting on crime and incarcerated individuals, and how ethical reporting can impact reintegration efforts.

  • Restorative Justice: Gain insight into the principles of restorative justice and how they contrast with traditional punitive systems, advocating for rehabilitation over punishment.

  • The Power of Language: Explore how the language used in crime reporting can either stigmatize or humanize individuals, affecting both public opinion and the individuals involved.

  • Media Bias and Its Consequences: Analyze the effects of biased media portrayals on public attitudes toward prisoners, ex-prisoners, and the criminal justice system as a whole.

  • Humanizing Crime Stories: Learn practical strategies for telling stories that focus on the complexities of people’s lives, offering deeper empathy and understanding while holding individuals accountable.

  • Real-World Case Studies: Engage with real-world examples of crime reporting, exploring both successful and problematic media portrayals, and their societal impact.

  • Practical Reporting Skills: Develop the tools to ethically write, report, and interview, with a focus on fairness, objectivity, and humanizing stories.

Why take this course?

  • Understand the intersection of crime, media, and justice, and how journalists can drive positive social change.

  • Gain the skills to challenge harmful stereotypes and contribute to a more empathetic and rehabilitative criminal justice system.

  • Learn to use your voice to foster understanding, accountability, and societal healing in your writing, reporting, and storytelling.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to contribute to a justice system that doesn’t just punish, but repairs, restores, and transforms lives. Whether you’re a journalist, student, or advocate, you'll leave with the tools to make a real difference.

Who this course is for:

  • Journalists
  • Reporters
  • Students
  • NGO Workers

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