There is a long tradition in journalism of championing the cause of a wrongly convicted man. Within that tradition is the most famous newspaper article ever published that denounced a criminal conviction. The piece -- which had the famous headline J'ACCUSE -- was penned by novelist Emile Zola -- France's Mark Twain -- for a literary newspaper in Paris, L'Aurore. 
Every student of journalism learns the remarkable story of what is often called a masterpiece of literary journalism and the impact that 4,000 words had on French society and the fate of a man named Alfred Dreyfus.
This article from Georgia Law Professor Donald Wilkes, Jr. is an excellent summary of the stunning story behind J'ACCUSE. The PBS Channel also devoted an excellent program to the newspaper article that "toppled a government, freed a man, and brought honor to a nation."
It is not the only interesting example of this journalistic phenomenon. Julian Ralph, the legendary New York journalist, did a similar piece, as did William F. Buckley, Jr. Though the case Buckley chose to champion is a very bad example. Very bad.
Meanwhile, I'm waiting -- waiting, I tell you -- for someone to do a scathing expose on the conviction in Toledo of Rev. Gerald Robinson. Would someone indulge me? The abiding and best traditions of journalism compel you.
Oh, I love that post! So interesting! I was searching for something about news articles! That is good one!
Posted by: michael jones | September 04, 2007 at 01:55 PM