This free ACSA and AUMA collaborative event is intended to be an analytical discussion exploring the intersection between true crime, media, law and public perception. This event hopes to unpack the cultural, social, and other mechanisms that explain why and how the case of Erin Patterson garnered such intense public speculation and curiosity, as well as media coverage and conjecture.

Through a deep dive into the case of Erin Patterson, a panel of interdisciplinary academics/professionals will analyse how the case grew to become such a closely followed and sensationalised media story.

Our panel of speakers include:

Rick Sarre:

Rick Sarre is Emeritus Professor of Law and Criminal Justice at the University of South Australia where he taught for 35 years) and currently is an Adjunct with UniSA: Justice and Society. Sarre has provided comment about the Erin Patterson case to media outlets including The Guardian and AAP about Patterson's prospects for appeal, and co-authored a piece in the Law Society Journal unpacking the case judgment.

Warren Bulmer:

Warren Bulmer is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide and has spent a combined thirty-three years in law enforcement in Canada and Australia. He has an extensive background in digital evidence analysis, open-source investigations, and Internet-facilitated crimes against children.

Dr Victoria Fielding:

Dr Victoria Fielding is a senior lecturer in Strategic Communications at the University of Adelaide. She specialises in strategic communication and its influence on journalism. Her research investigates news media framing of public contestation and the influence journalism has on democracy.

Refreshments will be provided

Murder, Mushrooms and Media: Unpacking Australia’s Most Talked-About Case

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General Admission ticket