Transparency for an open world - Research Paper Example

CONTROVERSY REGARDING AUTOPSY PHOTOS Controversy Regarding Autopsy Photos The controversy regarding autopsy photos as viewed in the forensic book is that they magnify the pain that individuals especially those bereaved are passing through. The photos display the actual happening to the world and those releasing them always make no editorial changes before releasing them. They hit the nail on the head by explaining what happened step by step and the actual cause of death. This always comes at time when the family of the victim affected is still nursing from the pain resulting from the death. The released photos always magnify the relatives affected and in turn interfere with the healing process. Therefore it intrudes a person’s private life especially when the story that comes along with the photos is totally different from the actual cause of the death. An example is that autopsy photos and results might reveal that a person succumbed due to self inflicted injuries whereas the actual cause was due to torture or other related causes. In such a case the character of the individual affected will be tarnished for no just course (Morewitz, 2014). Secondly, the controversy also revolves around the quality of photos taken. The photos question the intention of the photographer who took the photos even when the photographs follow the rule which governs photography. Questions are posed as to whether the photo shooting act was intentional or it was accidental. However, most photographs are controversial because majority of the photographers who captures them always fail to follow the rules like those governing the thirds and leads. They fail to consider the affected as they do not enhance the autopsy photos to suit the moods and emotions of the affected and even the public ((Morewitz, 2014). Thirdly, it is largely speculated that majority of these photos are being displayed for monetary purposes. Individuals who display the photos always sell them to the highest newspaper and media bidders. Therefore, this raises the question on the intent for taking the photos in the first place. This is because companies or agencies posting these photos are profit oriented, therefore are capable of paying large sums for the photos just to increase their profits by making headlines on the photos. An Argument For or against the “Public’s Right To Know," In my own opinion, I am in support of the public’s right to know the actual cause of a person’s death by being allowed to access the autopsy photos. This is because it clears any uncertainty regarding the cause of death especially those surrounded by controversies. An example is that the case involved maybe that of a public figure and their personality and private lives greatly influences their work in the office. The public has the right to know what kind of a leader they selected as this will influence their decisions when choosing leaders to govern them. An example is that a leader who is immoral and meets unfortunate end, but the autopsy results are concealed will make the public to repeat the same mistake they did by selecting an equally immoral leader who at times maybe using state resources to sponsor some of the immoral activities. Therefore, for this respect it is equally important to dig up a controversial person’s life especially those who are influential to the society or are tasked with leadership positions to justify viable issues like finances among others which affect members of the public directly (Florini & Stiglitz, 2007). An example can be a case of celebrities who are in a position of public’s trust. Questions may arise on the type of impact the photos will have on the public. Will the photos positively or negatively affect the public? Michael Jackson was an example of a celebrity and his autopsy photos and results raised mixed feelings from the public. Autopsy photos always reveal the kind of private morality about a victim’s character as they intend to reveal whether the cause of death was either intentional or accidental. Moreover, when a victim was highly influential and being looked as an icon by the public and on the contrary was doing various misdeeds, the public has a right to know the life of a character to determine whether to follow to lifestyle or refrain from it (Florini & Stiglitz, 2007). Argument For or Against the Victim/Familys Right To Privacy In my opinion, I am in total support for the victim/family right to privacy concerning autopsy photos. This is because all individuals have a right to privacy regardless of the status or situation. In case where autopsy photos are revealed to the public, the family of the individual exposed does not always enjoy their freedom as they are being constantly pried on by the public. The result is that always the family which is a separate entity from the exposed victim hides due to embarrassment which is not healthy for them. A phobia is always developed and this might make them to totally withdraw from the watchful eyes of the public, therefore not socializing at all with the public. In spite of the public having the right to question the character of an individual, infringing on the family privacy means intrusion into the lives of those who have no benefit to the public. An example is that when a politician is found scandalous with the public’s finances, investing and reporting his or her family is totally not called for because the one found stealing was the politician and not the family (Valverde, 2006). Reporting on the family means denting their image as the public will tend to keep away from them and avoid them even when they are of reputable characters. In addition, invading the right to privacy of those affected means execution of the innocent. This is because the society will punish them by being biased on them of the wrongs and mistakes or flaws of other members who are totally different from them (Florini & Stiglitz, 2007). References Florini, A., & Stiglitz, J. E. (2007). The right to know: Transparency for an open world. New York: Columbia University Press. Morewitz, S. J. (2014). Handbook of forensic sociology and psychology. Spain: Springer eBooks. Valverde, M. (2006). Law and order: Images, meanings, myths. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press. Read More