Prerequisite: Students who have taken Professor Jenkins’ 1L reading group, The “Central Park Five” Case: Race, Crime, Media and Justice (1LRG), are not eligible to enroll in this seminar.

Exam Type: No Exam

In 1989, the New York Police Department arrested five Black and Latine teenagers for the brutal sexual assault of a White female jogger in Central Park. Known as the “Central Park Five,” the young men were vilified by politicians and the press, convicted by a jury, and sentenced to between five and fifteen years in detention. By 2002, after serving a collective two decades behind bars, the men were exonerated. In 2014, they settled legal claims against New York City and State for over $40 million. And in 2023, one of the now “Exonerated Five,” Yusef Salaam, was elected to the New York City Council.

In this reading group, we will examine the multiple cases and controversies spawned by this incident from a legal, political, cultural, and communication standpoint. We will consider questions at the intersection of race, gender, media, crime and law—including aspects of criminal procedure, legal ethics, free expression, and anti-discrimination principles—as well as potential solutions. The reading group may include guest speakers from organizations related to the controversy.

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: TBD.

Note: Students who have taken Professor Jenkins’ 1L reading group, The “Central Park Five” Case: Race, Crime, Media and Justice (1LRG), are not eligible to enroll in this seminar.