In some countries, criminal trials are shown on television for the public. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

MODEL ANSWER 1 (BAND 6.5)

The practice of televising criminal trials on television is a subject of extensive debate. From my perspective, the disadvantages of broadcasting criminal trials on television outweigh the advantages. Several compelling reasons support this viewpoint.

First, one advantage of televising criminal trials is that it can enhance public confidence in the legal system by allowing citizens to observe how justice is administered. This transparency enables individuals to become aware of unlawful behaviors and encourages them to avoid violating the law. However, the act of showcasing the faces of criminals on television can have detrimental effects on the families involved. When criminal trials are broadcasted, they capture significant attention, and as a result, the lives of the families can be profoundly impacted, leading to potential psychological issues. For instance, children, spouses, or other family members may face social isolation and marginalization within their communities.

Another purported benefit of televising criminal trials is its potential to act as a deterrent, particularly for children, by showcasing the consequences of imprisonment. This may instill a sense of responsibility in children and lead them to carefully consider their actions. However, some children may regard criminals on TV as idols, as their young minds may not fully comprehend the concepts of right and wrong, and they may not be aware of the negative implications of engaging in unlawful activities. Consequently, they may be inclined to imitate the behavior they witness on television.

In conclusion, the disadvantages of televising criminal trials on television are evident, including the potential negative impact on the families of criminals and the risk of children idolizing such behavior. 

MODEL ANSWER 2 (BAND 7.5)

The contentious issue of televising criminal trials has sparked intense discourse, and from my vantage point, the scales tip in favor of the drawbacks outweighing the benefits. A plethora of compelling reasons buttress this perspective.

On the one hand, proponents argue that broadcasting criminal trials on television can bolster public faith in the legal system by affording citizens an unvarnished view of justice in action. This transparency, they contend, serves as a clarion call for individuals to eschew unlawful conduct and embrace lawfulness. However, one must tread cautiously, considering the potential collateral damage inflicted upon the families embroiled in such televised proceedings. The spotlight cast upon criminals can cast a long, dark shadow over their loved ones, subjecting them to profound emotional distress and potentially precipitating psychological tribulations. Children, spouses, and other relatives may find themselves relegated to the fringes of social acceptance, relegated to the margins of society.

Moreover, advocates posit that televising criminal trials can function as a powerful deterrent, particularly for impressionable young minds, by showcasing the dire consequences of incarceration. The notion is that witnessing the legal ramifications on the small screen could instill a powerful sense of responsibility and prudence in the younger generation, prompting them to meticulously weigh their actions. However, it is incumbent upon us to recognize that children, with their limited understanding of moral complexities and long-term repercussions, may unwittingly romanticize the figures they see on television. In their naivety, they may be drawn to idolize the very behavior we seek to discourage, unwittingly emulating the actions they witness.

In summation, the disadvantages of televising criminal trials on television eclipse the potential advantages. The grave toll exacted upon the families of the accused, manifesting as psychological turmoil and social isolation, cannot be discounted. Furthermore, the peril of inadvertently glamorizing criminal conduct, particularly among impressionable youth, constitutes a formidable concern. Hence, prudence dictates careful consideration of the potential ramifications before embracing the practice of televising criminal trials.