A trial update is a short piece of news reporting that gives the latest developments in an ongoing court case. Trial updates are often found in the local and national sections of newspapers.
A good trial report should begin with a lede that describes the basic details of the trial: who is being sued, what are they accused of, and where and when did the alleged crime take place. This is crucial, as many readers will not be familiar with the trial’s background.
For longer trials, it’s helpful to include an outline of the trial’s chronology in your lede. This will help readers keep track of the trial’s progression and its major turning points.
It’s also important to present both sides of the trial in your article. This is true of all journalism, but it’s especially vital in a trial story. If there are any outbursts by the defendant or arguments between the defense and the prosecutor, make sure to include them in your article.
While it is not a scientific crime to deviate from the protocol, it is important to report any significant deviations that could have an impact on your trial’s aim, selection criteria or outcomes. This will help to avoid bias by providing transparency and allows for a discussion of possible reasons for any such deviations.
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