Draws on interviews with perpetrators, victims, and "consumers" of violence, including several celebrities, to explore the public's morbid fascination with violence, murder, horror, and crime.

"A look at media violence and its possible influence on viewers, this book examines how the "media made me do it" defense has affected today's courtrooms. Highly publicized cases, that used media influence as part of their defense, are discussed in detail. Other topics include the creation and maintenance of rating systems, parental involvement and ultimate responsibility"--Provided by publisher.