Topic > Walter Collins Case Study

The Walter Collins case study is a compelling and tragic example of the failures and limitations of the criminal justice system. This case, which occurred in Los Angeles in the late 1920s, involved the disappearance of a young boy named Walter Collins and the subsequent investigation and trial that followed. The story not only sheds light on the flaws of the criminal justice system, but also raises important questions about the nature of justice and the rights of individuals. In this essay I will examine key aspects of the Walter Collins case, including the investigation, trial, and aftermath, and explore the implications and lessons that can be learned from this tragic event. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The disappearance of Walter Collins in March 1928 sparked a massive search effort by the Los Angeles Police Department. The investigation was marred by incompetence and lack of coordination, resulting in significant delays and missteps. Despite receiving numerous tips and leads, police were unable to locate Walter or make any significant breakthroughs in the case. This lack of progress and growing public outcry put pressure on the police department to find a solution. Months later, a boy claiming to be Walter Collins was found in Illinois. The Los Angeles Police Department, eager to close the case and appease the public, quickly granted the boy's request, despite obvious discrepancies in his appearance and behavior. The boy's mother, Christine Collins, initially expressed doubts about his identity but was dismissed by police and even branded delusional. This disregard for Christine's concerns and the rush to conclude the investigation highlights the systemic problems within the criminal justice system at the time. The trial that followed further exposed the flaws of the criminal justice system. The boy who claimed to be Walter Collins, known as the "impostor boy", was tried for perjury. The prosecution, eager to make its case that the boy was really Walter, presented a weak case, full of inconsistencies and contradictions. The defense, on the other hand, was unable to effectively challenge the prosecution's case, leading to the boy's conviction and subsequent incarceration. The aftermath of the Walter Collins case saw a change in public opinion and a growing awareness of criminal justice failures. system. Christine Collins, determined to find the truth, continued to search for her son and challenge the authorities. His resilience and refusal to give up ultimately led to the exposure of corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department and the eventual release of the impostor boy. However, the case remained unsolved and Walter Collins' true fate remains a mystery to this day. The Walter Collins case raises important questions about the nature of justice and the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system. It highlights the dangers of making hasty judgments and the importance of thorough and impartial investigations. The case also highlights the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement to prevent such miscarriages of justice. Furthermore, the Walter Collins case serves as a reminder that justice is not always served and that innocent individuals can be wrongly accused and convicted. It calls into question the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the fallibility of the criminal justice system as a whole. This case serves as a cautionary tale and a call to action for reforms within the justice system.