"The Criminal"

The Power of a Label

A single photo paired with a label such as “The Criminal” can erase nuance and replace truth with assumption. Globally, wrongful convictions have shown how damaging such framing can be. The Innocence Project reports that coerced confessions, eyewitness misidentification, and flawed forensic practices are leading causes of wrongful convictions in the United States, where hundreds have been exonerated through DNA evidence. Yet, by the time the truth surfaces, reputations are often destroyed, and the label sticks in the public’s mind.

Psychology of Misjudgement

Psychological research highlights how powerful labels and images are in shaping perception. This is linked to the concept of confirmation bias, where people interpret evidence in ways that fit the story they already believe. If someone looks tired, nervous, or different from societal expectations, they may be more easily perceived as “guilty.” Gender also plays a role: studies on implicit bias show that women, particularly women of colour, are sometimes judged more harshly, with stereotypes influencing whether they are seen as “innocent victims” or “suspicious offenders.”

Bias in Justice Systems

Worldwide, courts and police have grappled with the dangers of biased investigations. In the UK, the Case of Sally Clark—a solicitor wrongfully convicted of killing her children—revealed how flawed expert testimony and gendered suspicion led to tragedy. In India, cases have emerged where women were misidentified or targeted because of misogynistic assumptions rather than facts. International human rights law, including Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), demands fair trials and impartial justice, but systemic biases still influence how stories are told and accepted.

Seeing Beyond the Photo

Behind every mugshot or label lies a story—sometimes one of injustice. Misogyny, social stereotypes, and flawed investigations can transform an innocent person into “the criminal” in the eyes of the public. To prevent this, both media and legal systems must recognise the weight of representation, and reforms must focus on eliminating bias in investigations and trials. For society at large, the challenge is to look beyond the image and question the story being told—because the truth may be far more complex.