The Murder Trial of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle (1921): A Deep Dive into Crime, Media, and Justice

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Topic: Murder Trial of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle (1921)
Each paper must consist of a minimum of 1,500 words—not counting the title page or references section. Please rely on Microsoft Word to determine the word count (not a PDF or other source).
Your research paper must include these elements:
Title page (with proper APA-style formatting)
Abstract (with proper APA-style formatting)
Introduction (ending with a thesis statement)
A description of the crime
Analysis of the crime and criminal behavior
Discussion about media involvement and coverage
A perspective on media influence
Conclusion (based on your research and perspective)
References section (with proper APA-style formatting throughout)
Sources, Citations, and References
Your paper should include at least six sources (points will be deducted if fewer sources are used). These sources should include your textbook—plus five additional sources, three of which must be scholarly in nature. In writing a research paper, which should be a discussion about previously published research, there should be ample in-text citations—such as (Torres, 2024)—throughout your paper. Each in-text citation must be listed in the “References” section.

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understanding the Assignment

This research paper revolves around the infamous Murder Trial of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle (1921). Your task is to explore the case from multiple perspectives, including a detailed description of the crime, an analysis of criminal behavior, and a discussion about media involvement and influence. The paper will need to be 1,500 words long, following APA formatting guidelines, and you must include at least six sources, with three being scholarly. The structure is outlined below:

Step 2: Organizing Your Research Paper

  1. Title Page (APA Formatting):

    • Include the title of your paper, your name, your institution, and the date of submission.
    • Follow APA format for title page setup (check the APA 7th edition guidelines).
  2. Abstract (APA Formatting):

    • Write a concise summary (about 150-250 words) of the content of your paper.
    • The abstract should provide an overview of the crime, the main points discussed, and a brief mention of your conclusion.
    • Example: This paper examines the 1921 murder trial of actor Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, exploring the details of the crime, the analysis of criminal behavior, the influence of media coverage, and the lasting impact of the case on both legal proceedings and public opinion.
  3. Introduction:

    • Introduce the main subject: the trial of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle.
    • Provide some background on Arbuckle’s career and the importance of the trial.
    • End the introduction with a thesis statement, such as: “This paper will explore the crime, analysis of the criminal behavior, the media’s role in the trial, and its lasting impact on both the legal system and public opinion.”
  4. Description of the Crime:

    • Detail the events of the crime: On Labor Day weekend in 1921, Arbuckle was accused of the sexual assault and murder of actress Virginia Rappe in San Francisco.
    • Include background information on the victim and the circumstances leading up to the incident.
    • Discuss the immediate aftermath, including Arbuckle’s arrest and initial charges.
  5. Analysis of the Crime and Criminal Behavior:

    • Analyze the criminal behavior: Discuss both Arbuckle’s and the victim’s possible motivations and actions leading up to the incident.
    • Incorporate a psychological or sociological perspective on criminal behavior, supported by scholarly sources. What theories of criminal behavior apply to this case?
    • Was the crime premeditated, or did it result from a spontaneous incident? Discuss the concept of intent.
  6. Discussion About Media Involvement and Coverage:

    • Examine how the media reported on the case, focusing on newspapers, radio, and early cinema.
    • Highlight how the media sensationalized the trial and affected public perception of Arbuckle.
    • Discuss the role of the press in shaping the narrative of guilt before the trial concluded.
  7. A Perspective on Media Influence:

    • Reflect on how media coverage can shape justice and public opinion.
    • Analyze the long-term impact of media portrayal on Arbuckle’s career and personal life, despite his eventual acquittal.
    • Discuss how the media’s portrayal of Arbuckle as guilty even after his acquittal affected his reputation.
  8. Conclusion:

    • Summarize your findings: Reinforce the impact of the trial on the legal system, public opinion, and media ethics.
    • Offer your perspective on the case—did the media do more harm than good? How might this case have been different in today’s media environment?
    • End with a reflective statement on the broader implications for justice and the role of media in high-profile criminal cases.
  9. References Section (APA Formatting):

    • Include at least six sources: your textbook plus five additional sources (three scholarly).
    • Ensure every in-text citation is listed in the references section.
    • Format your references according to APA 7th edition guidelines.

Step 3: Writing and Citation Tips

  • Use Scholarly Sources: For the scholarly sources, search for academic journals, books, or reliable databases that discuss criminal law, media influence on trials, or the history of the case.
  • In-Text Citations: Integrate citations such as (Torres, 2024) in your paper whenever you reference a source. This adds credibility and shows your research.
  • Clear Organization: Each section should flow logically to the next. Ensure your thesis statement is clear, and each part of the paper supports that central argument.

Step 4: Final Review

  • Word Count: Ensure your paper is at least 1,500 words (excluding the title and references pages).
  • Proofread: Review for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Use proper APA style throughout, especially for in-text citations and the references section.
  • Check for Plagiarism: Ensure that all ideas taken from other sources are properly cited to avoid plagiarism.

By following these steps, you will be able to craft a well-researched, structured, and insightful paper on the murder trial of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle.

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