nrc.nl
Dutch Criminologist Hans Werdmölder Plagiarizes Crime Journalists' Work in Best-Selling Books
Dutch criminologist Hans Werdmölder's books on criminals Ridouan Taghi and Bolle Jos have been found to contain significant portions of text copied without attribution from various crime journalists, leading to ethical and legal concerns.
- What are the legal and ethical implications of Werdmölder's actions, and how have different parties responded?
- University of Amsterdam's Lex Bruinhof confirms that Werdmölder's actions constitute copyright infringement, based on the high court's definition of original authorship. Journalists involved criticize the ethical implications, emphasizing the danger and effort involved in their work, and the lack of proper citation in the books. The publisher, Prometheus, has announced that future editions will be corrected.
- What specific instances of plagiarism have been identified in Hans Werdmölder's books, and what is their significance?
- Werdmölder's book "Bolle Jos" includes verbatim sections from articles by crime journalists Chiel Timmermans and a BN/de Stem journalist, and a chapter on a drug robbery is nearly identical to an AD/Het Laatste Nieuws article. His book "De zaak-Ridouan T." contains large portions of articles by NRC journalist Jan Meeus. The significance is that these are not minor instances; substantial portions of the journalist's original investigative reporting have been appropriated without proper attribution.
- What broader implications does this case have on the true crime genre and the relationship between journalists and non-journalist authors?
- This incident highlights an ethical gray area within the true crime genre, where the demand for true crime content outpaces the strict adherence to journalistic principles in non-journalistic publications. The case reveals how non-journalist authors may exploit investigative reporting without facing appropriate repercussions, creating unfair competition for professional journalists who prioritize factual accuracy and ethical sourcing.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced framing, presenting both sides of the story: the accusations of plagiarism against criminologist Hans Werdmölder and his defense. While it highlights the frustration and ethical concerns of journalists whose work was used without proper attribution, it also includes Werdmölder's explanation for his actions and the publisher's response. The headline, if present, would significantly influence the framing; however, no headline is provided in the text.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article employs direct quotes from involved parties, allowing the reader to form their own opinion. While terms like "parasiteren" (parasitizing) carry a negative connotation, it's used within a direct quote and reflects the journalist's perspective, not the article's overall tone.
Bias by Omission
A potential omission is a deeper exploration into the legal ramifications of Werdmölder's actions. While the article mentions copyright infringement, it doesn't delve into potential legal proceedings or outcomes. Another potential omission could be the exploration of other authors or publications that may have engaged in similar practices. The article also does not fully explain the dynamics and culture of the true crime industry, beyond mentioning its competitive nature.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights plagiarism in the true crime genre, where an author (Werdmölder) significantly benefited financially from using the work of crime journalists without proper attribution. This creates an unfair advantage and economic inequality among those contributing to the field. The journalists involved often work under dangerous conditions, highlighting the ethical and economic disparities.