Absence of Malice displays reporter Megan Carter as a journalist struggling through various predicaments in which she fights to advance her own career, while unfortunately, hurting people and making unethical decisions along the way.
One error that she made was that she did not try hard enough to make Mike Gallagher aware that she was going to release a report stating that he was under investigation. She claims to have called once, but that no one picked up the phone. This was not good enough. She should have repeatedly called, left messages, and if anything, she should have left a copy of the report under his doorstep. A reporter must always persist in trying to get in contact with the private individual they are releasing the report about in order to enable that individual to have a chance to release a comment. The private individual can sue the reporter merely if he or she proves the reporter printed a falsehood.
The most outrageous act Megan committed was writing Theresa Perrone’s name in the article when claiming that she had an abortion and Mike was there with her and so thus he could not have possibly committed the murder. Megan was so focused on releasing Mike from being attached to the murder that she neglected her own morals and went against Theresa. Theresa specifically told Megan that she did not want her name in that article for fear of how her family and coworkers would react. However, Megan completely ignored Theresa’s plea and heartlessly published the article. Theresa committed suicide and Megan became ridden with guilt.
It was also shocking how she developed a relationship with Mike. This distracted her and caused her to lose control over her own investigation of the case, as she began falling in love with the man she was supposed to be investigating.
Christina
