Ever wondered what happens when the police get it wrong... Show more
Criminology7,795 views·Updated May 17, 2026·17 pagesComprehensive Case Studies for WJEC Criminology Unit 3
zara!!@zara.louisee
1 / 10
1
of 10
Police Officers and Crime Scene Investigators - When Things Go Wrong
The Stephen Lawrence case completely changed how we think about police investigations. The MacPherson report found institutionalised racism in the Metropolitan Police after they failed to give Stephen first aid and refused to properly investigate his murder, even when given suspects' names.
More recently, Wayne Couzens - a serving police officer - murdered Sarah Everard, which has made many women seriously distrust the police. This means fewer sexual offences get reported, making crime statistics less reliable.
The Wembley Park murders showed another shocking example of police misconduct when officers took selfies with victims' dead bodies and shared them on WhatsApp. They also responded incredibly slowly to missing person reports from the families.
Key Point: Police misconduct doesn't just affect individual cases - it damages public trust and makes people less likely to report crimes.
Crime scene investigators can also mess things up badly. In the Meredith Kercher case, investigators failed to wear protective clothing and found crucial evidence (a bra clasp) six weeks late, making it contaminated and unreliable in court.
2
of 10
Forensic Scientists - Heroes and Villains
Forensic specialists can be absolute game-changers when they get it right. In the Sarah Payne case, fibres from Roy Whiting's van found on her shoe were the only evidence that convicted him of her murder - brilliant forensic work that got justice for her family.
Dr Clyde Snow's work on the John Wayne Gacy case shows forensic anthropology at its best. He identified victim David Talsma by matching height, a healed fractured left arm, and even worked out David was left-handed from bone evidence.
But forensic evidence can also destroy innocent lives. Adam Scott spent five months in prison after his DNA sample got mixed up with a rape victim's during processing - a terrifying example of contamination.
Key Point: Forensic evidence seems foolproof, but human error in collection and processing can send innocent people to prison.
David Butler's skin condition meant his DNA was everywhere as a taxi driver, including under murder victim Anne Marie Foy's fingernails. Thankfully, he was acquitted when this was properly explained.
3
of 10
Pathologists and DNA Databases - Life and Death Decisions
Pathologists make decisions that can free killers or jail innocent people. In the Sally Clark case, pathologist Alan Williams didn't tell defence lawyers about lethal bacterial infections he'd found - information that could have proven the babies died naturally, not from murder.
Dr Patel's mistake in the Camden Ripper case was even deadlier - he claimed the first victim died naturally, letting Anthony Hardy go free to rape and murder two more women.
But DNA databases have solved cases that seemed impossible. The Colette Aram case was cracked 25 years later when Paul Hutchinson's son was arrested for an unrelated crime, leading police to his father's DNA and finally getting justice.
Key Point: Modern DNA technology can solve decades-old cases, but only if samples are properly collected and stored.
The 7/7 bombings investigation used DNA from the bomb factory to identify the terrorists, while Sally-Ann Bowman's killer Mark Dixie was caught after a pub fight led to a DNA swab that matched the murder scene.
4
of 10
DNA Analysis and Surveillance - Revolutionary Tools
Colin Pitchfork made history as the first person convicted using DNA analysis, while Robert Buckland became the first person cleared by DNA evidence. Stefan Kiszko served 16 years for a crime he couldn't physically have committed - he was unable to produce sperm, yet it was found at the crime scene.
However, Barry George shows how forensic evidence can be misleading. A single microscopic particle of gunshot residue on his coat led to his conviction for Jill Dando's murder, but it could have been contamination from when police photographed the coat as evidence.
CCTV surveillance has become incredibly powerful. During the 2011 London riots, photos and videos were uploaded online to help identify offenders, while the James Bulger case used shopping centre CCTV to identify his two young killers.
Key Point: Surveillance technology is brilliant for catching criminals, but covert operations can cross ethical lines and harm innocent people.
Colin Stagg was wrongly targeted using a 'honey trap' - an undercover female officer trying to trick him into confessing to Rachel Nickell's murder, even though police had no real evidence against him.
5
of 10
Criminal Profiling - Organised vs Disorganised Killers
Understanding criminal behaviour helps catch killers. Ted Bundy was a classic organised offender - intelligent, charming, and methodical. He targeted women who looked like his ex-girlfriend Diane Edwards, used his fake injury act to lure victims, and kept 'burglary tools' showing his planning.
Bundy's girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer suspected him and went to police twice before they finally listened. He escaped prison twice but was eventually caught and executed in 1989 after killing at least 36 women (possibly around 100).
Richard Ramirez (the Night Stalker) represents a disorganised offender - poor hygiene, low intelligence, drug-addicted, and no job. His attacks were chaotic and escalating, often involving Satanic rituals.
Key Point: Criminal profiling helps police understand whether they're hunting a careful planner or a chaotic opportunist, changing how they investigate.
Ramirez was finally caught because witnesses noted his license plate, and his fingerprints in an abandoned car matched his criminal record. LA residents even beat him up when he tried to carjack cars during his escape attempt.
6
of 10
Types of Evidence - Physical vs Testimonial
Physical evidence seems more reliable than witness testimony, but it's not foolproof. In the Meredith Kercher case, Amanda Knox had no DNA in the murder room, and knife evidence was questionable. Barry George's gunshot residue could have come from armed police at his arrest.
Testimonial evidence is incredibly unreliable. Ronald Cotton served 10 years because a rape victim wrongly identified him in photos and lineups. DNA eventually proved Bobby Poole was the real rapist, showing how eyewitness testimony can completely destroy innocent lives.
Statistical evidence can be dangerously misleading. In the Sally Clark case, Professor Roy Meadow claimed the chance of two babies dying from SIDS in one family was 1 in 73 million - but the Royal Statistical Society said this was complete rubbish with no scientific basis.
Key Point: Juries often trust eyewitness testimony too much, even though psychological research shows memory is incredibly unreliable.
Randall Adams was sentenced to death based on eyewitness testimony - but the 'witness' was actually the real killer trying to frame him.
7
of 10
Rights and Legal Processes
The Birmingham Six case shows why suspect rights matter - six men were falsely convicted after being interrogated for 12 hours daily with no food, sleep, or legal representation. Their convictions were eventually quashed as unsafe.
Banaz Mahmood was murdered in an honour killing, and her sister became the first woman in British legal history to testify against family in such a case. She now lives under witness protection because giving evidence brought 'shame' to their family.
The evidential test means prosecutors need sufficient evidence for conviction. Abu Hamza twice failed this test for terrorist charges, allowing him to continue radicalising people until he was finally convicted and extradited to America for life imprisonment.
Key Point: Legal protections exist for good reasons - when they're ignored or fail, innocent people suffer and guilty ones escape justice.
Joan Franciscos was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, but the CPS refused to prosecute due to insufficient evidence, letting a dangerous man go free.
8
of 10
Inadmissible Evidence and Fair Trials
Unreliable expert evidence can destroy lives. Sally Clark's conviction relied on Roy Meadow's wrong statistics about SIDS deaths - expert witnesses must have proper scientific backing for their claims.
Colin Stagg was targeted using inadmissible evidence from a 'honey trap' operation. Police used a female officer to fake a romantic relationship, trying to get a confession without any real evidence - this kind of improperly obtained evidence can't be used in court.
The right to remain silent is crucial for fair trials. Not speaking can seem suspicious, but the European Court of Human Rights protects this right as essential to justice.
Key Point: Evidence collection must follow proper procedures, or even guilty people can walk free because their trials become unfair.
Failed disclosure nearly destroyed Liam Allen, accused of rape until police finally revealed 40,000 messages showing the 'victim' was actually pestering him for casual sex. Hearsay evidence helped catch Colin Pitchfork when someone overheard his friend bragging about giving a DNA sample on his behalf.
9
of 10
Key Players in the Justice System
Rose West was convicted of 10 murders despite claiming her husband Fred was the sole killer. With no one to support her innocence, physical evidence outweighed her testimonial claims - showing how objective physical evidence usually trumps subjective witness testimony.
Ronald Cotton's case perfectly demonstrates how dangerous eyewitness identification can be - false identification led to 10 years in prison while the real rapist remained free.
The Damilola Taylor case collapsed when a 15-year-old key witness kept changing her story, making her evidence inadmissible. This let two guilty men go free, even though her initial testimony was probably true.
Key Point: Every player in the justice system - from expert witnesses to barristers to judges - can influence whether innocent people are convicted or guilty ones escape.
Amanda Knox spent four years in Italian prison due to wrongful conviction, partly because pretrial publicity portrayed her negatively, potentially influencing the jury's decision.
10
of 10
Media Influence and Jury Decision-Making
Media coverage can completely derail justice. During the 2011 London riots, newspapers like the Daily Mail used dehumanising language calling protesters 'wild beasts', creating moral panic that pressured courts into harsher sentences without examining the real causes.
Christopher Jefferies was falsely accused of murdering Joanna Yeates and vilified in the press. The Sun and Daily Mirror were found guilty of contempt of court for publishing information that could prejudice his trial.
Social media creates new problems - the trial of two teenage girls for Angela Wrightson's murder had to be discontinued because Facebook comments made a fair trial impossible.
Key Point: Media coverage and social media can make fair trials impossible, forcing cases to be retried or letting guilty people escape justice.
Jury equity allows common sense to override harsh laws. Clive Ponting was acquitted despite admitting he leaked government documents about the Falklands War, because the jury believed he acted in the public interest - showing how ordinary people can refuse to convict when they think the law is wrong.
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Criminology7,795 views·Updated May 17, 2026·17 pagesComprehensive Case Studies for WJEC Criminology Unit 3
zara!!@zara.louisee
Ever wondered what happens when the police get it wrong or when DNA evidence saves the day? This criminology study dives into real cases that show how criminal investigations can go brilliantly right or spectacularly wrong, affecting real people's lives... Show more
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Police Officers and Crime Scene Investigators - When Things Go Wrong
The Stephen Lawrence case completely changed how we think about police investigations. The MacPherson report found institutionalised racism in the Metropolitan Police after they failed to give Stephen first aid and refused to properly investigate his murder, even when given suspects' names.
More recently, Wayne Couzens - a serving police officer - murdered Sarah Everard, which has made many women seriously distrust the police. This means fewer sexual offences get reported, making crime statistics less reliable.
The Wembley Park murders showed another shocking example of police misconduct when officers took selfies with victims' dead bodies and shared them on WhatsApp. They also responded incredibly slowly to missing person reports from the families.
Key Point: Police misconduct doesn't just affect individual cases - it damages public trust and makes people less likely to report crimes.
Crime scene investigators can also mess things up badly. In the Meredith Kercher case, investigators failed to wear protective clothing and found crucial evidence (a bra clasp) six weeks late, making it contaminated and unreliable in court.
2
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Forensic Scientists - Heroes and Villains
Forensic specialists can be absolute game-changers when they get it right. In the Sarah Payne case, fibres from Roy Whiting's van found on her shoe were the only evidence that convicted him of her murder - brilliant forensic work that got justice for her family.
Dr Clyde Snow's work on the John Wayne Gacy case shows forensic anthropology at its best. He identified victim David Talsma by matching height, a healed fractured left arm, and even worked out David was left-handed from bone evidence.
But forensic evidence can also destroy innocent lives. Adam Scott spent five months in prison after his DNA sample got mixed up with a rape victim's during processing - a terrifying example of contamination.
Key Point: Forensic evidence seems foolproof, but human error in collection and processing can send innocent people to prison.
David Butler's skin condition meant his DNA was everywhere as a taxi driver, including under murder victim Anne Marie Foy's fingernails. Thankfully, he was acquitted when this was properly explained.
3
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Pathologists and DNA Databases - Life and Death Decisions
Pathologists make decisions that can free killers or jail innocent people. In the Sally Clark case, pathologist Alan Williams didn't tell defence lawyers about lethal bacterial infections he'd found - information that could have proven the babies died naturally, not from murder.
Dr Patel's mistake in the Camden Ripper case was even deadlier - he claimed the first victim died naturally, letting Anthony Hardy go free to rape and murder two more women.
But DNA databases have solved cases that seemed impossible. The Colette Aram case was cracked 25 years later when Paul Hutchinson's son was arrested for an unrelated crime, leading police to his father's DNA and finally getting justice.
Key Point: Modern DNA technology can solve decades-old cases, but only if samples are properly collected and stored.
The 7/7 bombings investigation used DNA from the bomb factory to identify the terrorists, while Sally-Ann Bowman's killer Mark Dixie was caught after a pub fight led to a DNA swab that matched the murder scene.
4
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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DNA Analysis and Surveillance - Revolutionary Tools
Colin Pitchfork made history as the first person convicted using DNA analysis, while Robert Buckland became the first person cleared by DNA evidence. Stefan Kiszko served 16 years for a crime he couldn't physically have committed - he was unable to produce sperm, yet it was found at the crime scene.
However, Barry George shows how forensic evidence can be misleading. A single microscopic particle of gunshot residue on his coat led to his conviction for Jill Dando's murder, but it could have been contamination from when police photographed the coat as evidence.
CCTV surveillance has become incredibly powerful. During the 2011 London riots, photos and videos were uploaded online to help identify offenders, while the James Bulger case used shopping centre CCTV to identify his two young killers.
Key Point: Surveillance technology is brilliant for catching criminals, but covert operations can cross ethical lines and harm innocent people.
Colin Stagg was wrongly targeted using a 'honey trap' - an undercover female officer trying to trick him into confessing to Rachel Nickell's murder, even though police had no real evidence against him.
5
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Criminal Profiling - Organised vs Disorganised Killers
Understanding criminal behaviour helps catch killers. Ted Bundy was a classic organised offender - intelligent, charming, and methodical. He targeted women who looked like his ex-girlfriend Diane Edwards, used his fake injury act to lure victims, and kept 'burglary tools' showing his planning.
Bundy's girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer suspected him and went to police twice before they finally listened. He escaped prison twice but was eventually caught and executed in 1989 after killing at least 36 women (possibly around 100).
Richard Ramirez (the Night Stalker) represents a disorganised offender - poor hygiene, low intelligence, drug-addicted, and no job. His attacks were chaotic and escalating, often involving Satanic rituals.
Key Point: Criminal profiling helps police understand whether they're hunting a careful planner or a chaotic opportunist, changing how they investigate.
Ramirez was finally caught because witnesses noted his license plate, and his fingerprints in an abandoned car matched his criminal record. LA residents even beat him up when he tried to carjack cars during his escape attempt.
6
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Types of Evidence - Physical vs Testimonial
Physical evidence seems more reliable than witness testimony, but it's not foolproof. In the Meredith Kercher case, Amanda Knox had no DNA in the murder room, and knife evidence was questionable. Barry George's gunshot residue could have come from armed police at his arrest.
Testimonial evidence is incredibly unreliable. Ronald Cotton served 10 years because a rape victim wrongly identified him in photos and lineups. DNA eventually proved Bobby Poole was the real rapist, showing how eyewitness testimony can completely destroy innocent lives.
Statistical evidence can be dangerously misleading. In the Sally Clark case, Professor Roy Meadow claimed the chance of two babies dying from SIDS in one family was 1 in 73 million - but the Royal Statistical Society said this was complete rubbish with no scientific basis.
Key Point: Juries often trust eyewitness testimony too much, even though psychological research shows memory is incredibly unreliable.
Randall Adams was sentenced to death based on eyewitness testimony - but the 'witness' was actually the real killer trying to frame him.
7
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Rights and Legal Processes
The Birmingham Six case shows why suspect rights matter - six men were falsely convicted after being interrogated for 12 hours daily with no food, sleep, or legal representation. Their convictions were eventually quashed as unsafe.
Banaz Mahmood was murdered in an honour killing, and her sister became the first woman in British legal history to testify against family in such a case. She now lives under witness protection because giving evidence brought 'shame' to their family.
The evidential test means prosecutors need sufficient evidence for conviction. Abu Hamza twice failed this test for terrorist charges, allowing him to continue radicalising people until he was finally convicted and extradited to America for life imprisonment.
Key Point: Legal protections exist for good reasons - when they're ignored or fail, innocent people suffer and guilty ones escape justice.
Joan Franciscos was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, but the CPS refused to prosecute due to insufficient evidence, letting a dangerous man go free.
8
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Inadmissible Evidence and Fair Trials
Unreliable expert evidence can destroy lives. Sally Clark's conviction relied on Roy Meadow's wrong statistics about SIDS deaths - expert witnesses must have proper scientific backing for their claims.
Colin Stagg was targeted using inadmissible evidence from a 'honey trap' operation. Police used a female officer to fake a romantic relationship, trying to get a confession without any real evidence - this kind of improperly obtained evidence can't be used in court.
The right to remain silent is crucial for fair trials. Not speaking can seem suspicious, but the European Court of Human Rights protects this right as essential to justice.
Key Point: Evidence collection must follow proper procedures, or even guilty people can walk free because their trials become unfair.
Failed disclosure nearly destroyed Liam Allen, accused of rape until police finally revealed 40,000 messages showing the 'victim' was actually pestering him for casual sex. Hearsay evidence helped catch Colin Pitchfork when someone overheard his friend bragging about giving a DNA sample on his behalf.
9
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Key Players in the Justice System
Rose West was convicted of 10 murders despite claiming her husband Fred was the sole killer. With no one to support her innocence, physical evidence outweighed her testimonial claims - showing how objective physical evidence usually trumps subjective witness testimony.
Ronald Cotton's case perfectly demonstrates how dangerous eyewitness identification can be - false identification led to 10 years in prison while the real rapist remained free.
The Damilola Taylor case collapsed when a 15-year-old key witness kept changing her story, making her evidence inadmissible. This let two guilty men go free, even though her initial testimony was probably true.
Key Point: Every player in the justice system - from expert witnesses to barristers to judges - can influence whether innocent people are convicted or guilty ones escape.
Amanda Knox spent four years in Italian prison due to wrongful conviction, partly because pretrial publicity portrayed her negatively, potentially influencing the jury's decision.
10
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Media Influence and Jury Decision-Making
Media coverage can completely derail justice. During the 2011 London riots, newspapers like the Daily Mail used dehumanising language calling protesters 'wild beasts', creating moral panic that pressured courts into harsher sentences without examining the real causes.
Christopher Jefferies was falsely accused of murdering Joanna Yeates and vilified in the press. The Sun and Daily Mirror were found guilty of contempt of court for publishing information that could prejudice his trial.
Social media creates new problems - the trial of two teenage girls for Angela Wrightson's murder had to be discontinued because Facebook comments made a fair trial impossible.
Key Point: Media coverage and social media can make fair trials impossible, forcing cases to be retried or letting guilty people escape justice.
Jury equity allows common sense to override harsh laws. Clive Ponting was acquitted despite admitting he leaked government documents about the Falklands War, because the jury believed he acted in the public interest - showing how ordinary people can refuse to convict when they think the law is wrong.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Criminology
9CriminologyCriminology: Crime & Punishment Overview
Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.
1254,7821,060
CriminologyCriminology Theories Overview
Explore key criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance. This comprehensive summary covers biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, including labelling theory, right realism, and the impact of social campaigns on policy development. Ideal for A-Level criminology students seeking to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the factors influencing crime prevention strategies.
129,745211
CriminologyCriminology Theories Overview
Explore key concepts in criminology with this comprehensive summary covering Marxism, deviant behavior, biological theories, and more. Ideal for Year 12 students studying Unit 2, this resource provides textbook-accurate insights into the criminal justice system, individual rights, and various criminological theories. Enhance your understanding of crime and deviance with annotated notes designed for effective learning.
126,825160
CriminologyCriminological Theories Overview
Explore key criminological theories including Marxism, Strain Theory, Labelling Theory, and Realism. This summary covers the impact of social structures on crime, the role of individual behavior, and the implications for crime policy and prevention. Ideal for WJEC Level 3 students studying criminology, this resource provides concise insights into the complexities of crime and deviance.
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CriminologyCriminology Unit 2 Overview
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