2020 Truscott Lecture in Justice: Covering Crime: Canadian Reporters Tell the Inside Story

Investigative journalist Julian Sher and news reporter and videographer Nicole Lampa were the guest speakers at this year's Truscott Lecture in Justice (Wendy Gillis, Toronto Star was unable to attend). A lecture hall full of students listened attentively as the journalists shared their experiences reporting on criminal activities in Canada and abroad.

Julian Sher is an award-winning investigative journalist. He was the senior producer of CBC's The Fifth Estate. His national bestselling book Until You Are Dead: Steven Truscott's Long Ride Into History, led to an official reopening of the Steven Truscott case.

Sher took this opportunity to relate some of his experiences investigating the Truscott case as well as discussing his latest book. When discussing the Truscott case, he spoke directly to the Truscott family – whose interest in continuing the dialogue around justice in our society is evident by their support and attendance at the yearly lectures.

Nicole Lampa is a reporter and videographer for CTV News. She has covered major crime stories including the case of serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer and the well-known Laura Babcock and Tim Bosma murder trials.

Lampa explained the mental and emotional toll that reporting on heinous crimes has on a reporter; yet the importance of their vocation to shine a light on the dark recesses of society.

During the Q&A period that followed, students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to "see behind the curtain" of a profession whose work has a large influence on public opinion and sheds light, both on injustices and the inner workings of Canadian policy and the criminal justice system.