True crime refers to acts committed in violation of the law for which someone can be prosecuted. The term “true crime” originated in the mid-19th century, when it was used to describe sensational cases in the press.
It was originally used to describe real-life stories—usually involving crime and scandal. In later decades, true crime came to include literature, documentaries, podcasts, and television series all focused on events that actually happened, rather than fictional crime stories.
Despite the potential to make money on the tragic tales of real-life misfortune, true crime stories are more than just a popular genre: they have become a tool of criminal justice reform advocacy, civil discourse, and personal healing.
By examining real cases, both past and present, true crime can provide a deeper understanding of the nuances behind each case, diving into the individual motives, mindsets, and societal elements that can’t be explored in fictional works of crime.
True crime stories offer both perpetrators and victims a platform to bring long-forgotten stories to light, and can even bring about social change in dealing with crime and criminal justice.
What does true crime mean?
True crime is a term used to describe an interest in and study of criminal cases. It generally focuses on the details and circumstances of particular criminal incidents, as well as their perpetrators, victims, and other persons who may have been involved.
True crime also refers to media that cover such topics, including books, films, television series, news broadcasts, and podcasts. This genre has gained in popularity in recent years and offers a unique, in-depth look at the criminal justice system and those who are involved in it.
From the psychology behind criminal behavior to the complex legal proceedings and investigations, true crime has something for everyone. It can also provide insight into a particular culture or time period, helping to better understand social issues.
What is the definition of a true crime?
True crime is a non-fiction genre that encompasses any recorded criminal wrongdoings and legal proceedings. It involves everything from documentations of violent crimes to books or films about mafia mob bosses.
It can also include documentaries or biographies of serial killers and accounts of actual criminal cases. In essence, true crime is any account of crime and the criminal justice system. It examines the complexities of criminals and the criminal justice process, and provides insight into the motivations and circumstances of criminal activity.
True crime can also be used to educate the public on the risks and realities of crime, and help society think critically about how to strengthen laws, prevent crime and bring criminals to justice.
What is the difference between true crime and crime fiction?
True crime is a literary, film, or television genre in which a fictional narrative is told by presenting the actual facts and details surrounding an actual crime, convicted persons and victims. True crime usually involves researching and documenting a crime, its victims, the perpetrator and their motivations, and the consequences of the crime in a non-fictional or factual manner.
True crime is often presented in the form of a documentary or told in a narrative format in the form of biographies, memoirs and nonfiction books.
Crime fiction, on the other hand, is a genre of literature, film, or other forms of storytelling that focuses on the investigation, detection, and resolution of crimes. Crime fiction usually involves fictitious characters and assumes that there is a law enforcement agency and other organizations to which the investigation is directed.
While crime fiction may draw from true crime stories, the main difference between true crime and crime fiction is that crime fiction can exaggerate, embellish, and fictionalize many details of the crime, including the characters, the victims, and the perpetrators.
Crime fiction often contains plot elements such as clues, plot twists, and red herrings in order to increase suspense and create a more entertaining narrative.
Is it OK to like true crime?
Yes, it is perfectly ok to like true crime. True crime is a genre of books, television programs, and movies that focus on the details of real-life criminal cases. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with podcasts and streaming services offering a wide range of true crime content.
Whether you view true crime for entertainment or for educational purposes, it can be a fascinating and enriching experience.
For some people, true crime can be a way to explore their curiosity about crime and violence without having to experience it first-hand. It can also be educational, giving you insight into how the criminal justice system works and how crimes are investigated.
Additionally, by understanding more about the motivations of criminals and by assimilating different perspectives about crime, you can become more engaged with criminal justice issues.
It’s important, however, to remember that real people are affected by the crimes that are discussed in true crime media. The victims and their families have already suffered through the trauma of a crime and may be hurt or offended by media that sensationalizes their experiences.
It’s important to recognize that true crime isn’t entertainment and that it has very real consequences.
Why are people obsessed with true crime?
People are fascinated with true crime for a variety of reasons. It can give people the opportunity to explore aspects of society they may not be able to experience first-hand, such as highly sensationalized criminal activity.
It can also offer people insight into how certain cases were handled and how certain laws were applied to the situation. Additionally, people may be intrigued by the motivations behind certain cases of true crime, as it can sometimes be difficult to comprehend why a person would commit a certain act.
It could also allow people to detach themselves from the reality of the situation and take an allusive look at it, analyzing, understanding and trying to figure out the details of a situation. People might also be interested in understanding the psychological and sociological aspects of why some people make certain decisions, as well as understanding the different psychological and sociological dynamics of a criminal’s mind.
Ultimately, the fascination with true crime can help people make better decisions in their own lives so they can better understand themselves and the society in which they live.
What is considered crime fiction?
Crime fiction is a genre of fiction that focuses on the investigation, detection, and resolution of criminal and/or criminal-adjacent mysteries. Typically, the protagonist is a law enforcement professional, lawyer, or amateur sleuth, who must solve one or more mysterious crimes and/or criminal-adjacent acts.
Crime fiction can also feature serial killers, vigilantes, private eyes, and hardboiled detectives solving often-grisly crimes set in cities, suburbs, small towns, rural environments, or exotic locales.
Many crime fiction works incorporate elements of suspense, thriller, and/or horror, while some are police procedurals and legal dramas. Detective stories have been around for centuries, but the modern age of crime fiction (as we know it today) began in the mid-1800s with authors like Wilkie Collins, Arthur Conan Doyle (creator of Sherlock Holmes), and Emile Gaboriau.
From there, the genre became more diverse, featuring a variety of crime and criminal story arcs, and a diverse range of protagonists and antagonists.
Popular contemporary crime authors include Karin Slaughter, Donna Leon, Jo Nesbo, Harlan Coben, and Lee Child. Some modern crime fiction novels have been adapted into highly successful films, television shows, and even video games.
Crime fiction has also experienced a resurgence in the last decade or so with the popularity of the podcast genre, all while maintaining its traditional written-word roots.
Is true crime fiction or non fiction?
True crime is a category of literature that encompasses both fiction and non-fiction. Non-fiction true crime books typically chronicle a real-life crime, whereas the fiction genre could include stories that feature elements of the true crime genre.
For example, a novel may feature a murder or have characters wrestling with a moral dilemma, yet it will be a work of fiction. Non-fiction true crime stories often focus on unsolved cases, famous criminals, and criminal behavior, with the aim of uncovering truth and understanding the criminal mind.
Some true crime books explore morality and justice through the lens of a real criminal case or legal institutions, while other books retell stories of true-life crimes in a way that is both factual and dramatic.
When did true crime originate?
The concept of “true crime” as we know it today is said to have originated in the late 19th century, during the so-called “Gilded Age” of the United States. During this time, an increase in wealth, coupled with the mass production of newspapers and magazines meant that people’s exposure to sensationalized accounts of criminal activity was greater than ever before.
There was also a marked increase in the kinds of crimes committed, with the introduction of new forms of victimisation such as assault, burglary and theft. In response, authors began writing stories about notable cases in the American justice system, giving readers an intriguing insight into the criminal world.
The term “true crime” was actually first used in a magazine entitled The Strand in 1891 and by the early 20th century, the genre had grown in popularity. Publishers began to specialise in true crime books and magazines, cashing in on the popularity of the genre.
During the 1940s and 50s, the genre reached its peak in terms of popularity, with books such as Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and popular fictional crime fiction stories such as Ellery Queen.
Today, true crime is still an incredibly popular genre, though it has evolved significantly in recent decades. What was once thought to be merely a catalogue of accounts of sensationalized criminal activity has now become a well-researched and nuanced genre.
Thanks to the emergence of streaming services, it is now easier than ever to access true crime shows, documentaries and films which explore a range of topics related to crime and criminals.
Who invented the true crime?
The term ‘true crime’ is thought to have been first coined in the late 19th century, when a genre of non-fiction books began to be published under the ‘true crime’ moniker. The genre had its roots in the sensationalised accounts of crime presented in penny dreadfuls and in the work of pioneering crime journalists such as Henry Morton Stanley and Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote about famous criminal cases of his era.
However, the first use of the term true crime appears to have been by Harold Fox, whose 1903 book Imprisonment and Escape was subtitled ‘A study of true crime’. Throughout the following decades, the genre developed, with true crime books, articles, magazines and television programmes becoming increasingly popular.
Why true crime is problematic?
True crime is a genre of entertainment that focuses on real-life criminal cases. Unfortunately, this type of content can be problematic because it can reinforce a narrative of fear and sensationalism that is not always beneficial to those affected by crime, especially the victims and their families.
True crime often presents very simplified and biased portrayals of complex cases and legal situations, which can lead to misunderstandings of what actually happened and impact a victim’s feeling of safety or security.
It can also lead to false understandings of criminal behaviour, an oversimplification of the criminal justice system, and overly intense public judgement of individuals or groups involved in a case. By presenting a very narrow perspective, it can also shape public opinion and lead to injustice.
This can be especially dangerous for participants of marginalized identities.
True crime media often focusses heavily on details of the case that may be very triggering for those affected by crime or related trauma to relive. It can be harmful to sensationalize traumatic events for entertainment purposes.
Ultimately, true crime can be problematic because it can feed into and support a toxic narrative of criminality and victimization that is not accurate and which can be damaging to individuals, groups, and communities.
Was true crime Based on a true story?
The answer to the question of whether a particular true crime story is based on a true story ultimately depends on the specific story in question. There are a range of different types of true crime stories, from those that are factual accounts of a criminal case, to fictionalized accounts that may draw on accurate details while blending fact and fiction.
Documentaries, television shows, and films that are classified as true crime stories can range in detail and accuracy, depending on the resources and access to information available to the creators.
Many true crime stories are based on real-life criminal cases that have been in the news or even brought to trial. These stories may include a blend of facts (such as witnesses, evidence, and testimony) along with fictional elements to create a narrative.
Others draw inspiration from unsolved mysteries or cases that have yet to be resolved. These types of stories may be more focused on creating a narrative or exploring a particular viewpoint, rather than recreating specific details or historical accuracy.
In the end, it’s up to the reader or viewer to decide which true crime stories are based on real events and which are more speculative or fictionalized. While many true crime stories are based on real events, there may be inconsistencies or inaccuracies, so it’s important to do one’s own research and verify the facts.
What do you call someone who loves true crime?
Someone who loves true crime can be called a “true crime enthusiast” or “true crime aficionado”. This is because they are highly knowledgeable and passionate about true crime topics, and often seek out the latest news, evidence, and trends related to the genre.
True crime enthusiasts attend conferences, lectures, and even join local groups that specialize in the genre. They also often collect memorabilia related to true crime cases, such as newspapers, books, photos, and other artifacts.
Why do people with anxiety like crime shows?
Many people with anxiety may find comfort and solace in watching crime shows. One being the knowledge that there are others out there who are trying to keep the world safe from criminals. Seeing individuals working diligently to track down the bad guys and bring them to justice can often be reassuring for individuals who are feeling anxious.
Another reason people with anxiety may enjoy crime shows is that they can be a great way to distract oneself from anxious thoughts and feelings. Instead of worrying about their own worrisome scenarios, they can temporarily step away from their day-to-day life and focus on solving a fictional crime.
It can help them to feel a sense of control, mastery and accomplishment, even if it’s all within the realm of fiction.
Finally, crime shows can often end with a sense of closure, which can be incredibly helpful for people with anxiety. Many of the issues in real life have no clear-cut solutions, but crime shows tend to have happy endings with justice being served.
Being able to see issues resolved and good prevailing over evil can often bring a sense of peace and comfort to people who are dealing with anxiety.
Why am I obsessed with serial killer documentaries?
There are a variety of reasons why someone might be obsessed with serial killer documentaries – some of which may be psychological, others sociological. On a psychological level, there can be a sense of fascination or even arousal when viewing such documentaries, often linked to the ‘forbidden fruit’ effect – the idea that when something is forbidden, it can become more desirable.
Additionally, serial killers often have an air of mystery and notoriety around them, which can add an additional level of intrigue and mystery to the documentary.
From a sociological perspective, serial killer documentaries can inspire feelings of moral superiority in the viewer – demonstrating that one is more emotionally removed and can objectively analyze the situation without feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Additionally, it can serve as an exercise to both protect oneself from the outside world and to gain a greater understanding of the inner workings of our society. It can also be seen as a form of ‘armchair detective work’ – allowing for the viewer to gain a sense of satisfaction from being able to identify clues, patterns, and characteristics which may lead to solving a particular murder.
Ultimately, it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact underlying cause as to why someone is obsessed with serial killer documentaries. However, it is safe to say that such documentaries have become increasingly popular, and have the potential to have a wide range of psychological, sociological, and emotional benefits to the viewers.
