especially Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law that entitles a person to use force in self-defense without retreat- ing. “Still, we don’t know all of the evidence yet and as a true legal journalist I think it’s important to hear all sides.” T ose unknown facts are critical to whether or not the
Stand Your Ground law even applies in the Martin case. While the passion people have demonstrated in regard to the case has amplifi ed the drama, heightened public interest provides a great access point for a good legal analyst to explain to viewers how the law pertains. Ryan Smith, host of a newly launched HLN show,
DAHLIA LITHWICK HAS HIGH HOPES FOR ONLINE JOURNALISM.
24
“Evening Express,” explains it this way: “It starts with getting to know the people involved in a case,” Smith says. “No one’s going to care if they can’t relate to the people involved. So you lay it out: these are the players, here are the circumstances, this is the story. T en you break down the law, which can usually be done quite simply. T e key isn’t how smart you are, the key is in getting other people to understand.” Smith said he learned that as a practicing lawyer. When
a client came in with a dilemma, he would learn the facts, fi nd the legal solution, and then explain to the client how the solution and facts fi t together. He always found the work engaging, he says, because he has an innate curiosity about everything. For his new career as a legal analyst and anchor, he simply brings his need to discover the “why and how” and communicate that with his audience. Hostin and Smith both say that having practiced law
benefi ts them when it comes to legal analysis. “You have to have a command of the subject matter to
make it accessible for other people,” says Hostin. “I wish more trained lawyers could do televised legal commentary, because it really contributes to the understanding of a complex system of laws.” T e fundamental belief in the rule of law is what
makes our legal system work. T e law can only work with the consent of the governed, so public understanding of decisions and the process is critical to the authority of the legal system. While Hostin and Smith love what they do, they
recognize that one of the shortcomings of doing televised legal analysis in a rapid-paced world are strict deadlines and limited time. T ere is an old saying in news: it’s better to be right than to be fi rst. But reporters are only human, and given the time pressures at some point an on-air mistake is inevitable. Hostin found herself in that circumstance last
THE LAW, WHICH CAN USUALLY BE DONE QUITE SIMPLY. THE KEY ISN’T HOW SMART DIVERSITY & THE BAR® JULY/AUGUST 2012
MCCA.COM
PHOTO BY JEN FARIELLO
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