'Law & Order' Season 21 Episode 5: Show tackles social media's role in inciting violence
One of the main reasons why ‘Law & Order’ became such a huge hit was how the show managed to keep up with the “ripped from the headlines” approach. The show ran for 20 seasons before it was canceled in 2010 and now that the show has returned on NBC, the makers have made sure to move forward with the same approach.
We have already seen cases similar to the Bill Cosby rape trial and Gabby Petito’s murder in the ongoing season, but it seems the show is now going to tackle one of the most relevant topics that are out there and without any guesses, it’s all about social media and free speech. One of the most extraordinary fundamental rights we, as people have is “freedom of speech” which allows you to say whatever you want to whoever you want. With this right, you can even call out the president for something wrong that he or she has done.
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However, social media has now become a tool to use freedom of speech in a negative way. Remember January 6th attack on Capitol Hill? The entire mob used social media to gather people and storm one of the most sacred buildings of the US. So, the question arises whether or not certain social media posts inciting violence are protected as free speech.
The NYPD detectives and DA’s team will try to give viewers a chance to see what’s right and what’s not.
‘Law & Order’ Season 21 Episode 5 Spoilers
The upcoming episode of ‘Law & Order’ Season 21 will see Detective Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan) investigating the murder of a congressman. According to social media posts, it suggests a group of extremists decided to kill the congressman and send a strong message to those who don’t believe in them.
The detectives find the culprits behind the murder and the DA’s team is now doing everything to make sure that they get punished. ADA Nolan Price tells the jury that the First Amendment is one of the most precious laws that the country possesses. However, one of the men took advantage of that law and posted outrageous lies on social media. However, things get really intense when DA’s office gets to know that social media is “protected” under the first amendment, which makes things really hard for Jack McCoy’s office.
Although, ADA Price is sure that the man’s social media posts incited murder and he should be held responsible. On the other hand, ADA Samantha Maroun believes that if they are able to get a conviction, then the trial would be ground-breaking.
Will they be able to get a conviction? Or the man will just be deemed innocent? The answer to that burning question will be given when the episode makes its way to NBC.
‘Law & Order’ Season 21 returns to NBC with a new episode every Thursday at 8 pm EST.