A bomb exploded at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, killing one and wounding more than 100. The FBI conducted an investigation and within days, Richard Jewell was identified as a suspect. After several months, the Justice Department announced that Jewell was no longer a suspect. Jewell was publicly scorned, and followed incessantly by the media and law enforcement for the three months that he was believed to be the bomber. Evidence in the case was interpreted in such a way as to support the idea that Jewell was guilty. For example, Jewell was known to have seen the bag containing the bomb before it detonated, and moved people from the area. This life- saving act was seen as evidence that he was the bomber, because the investigators believed that he had planted the bomb in order to be able to be seen as a hero for saving people. In this case, the FBI was under intense scrutiny from the public, which demanded a resolution to the investigation. This public pressure may have led to the premature naming of a suspect. When investigators are committed to a conclusion, they may be tempted to engage in " _____________ " corruption and alter evidence to ensure a conviction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Noble cause corruption refers to situations where law enforcement officials manipulate evidence or procedures in a misguided attempt to secure a conviction of someone they believe is guilty, often rationalized by the belief that the ends (a conviction) justify the means. This term fits the scenario described, where evidence was interpreted to support the preconceived notion of Jewell's guilt.

A Bomb Exploded at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta