True crime series and documentaries have become one of the most popular genres on streaming platforms and television. However, not everything we see on screen accurately reflects how the Spanish justice system really works.
In one of Estradé Law Firm’s videos, Miriam Cordón analyses some of the most well-known Spanish true crime productions and ranks them according to their level of legal realism.
Because although many productions focus on media impact or dramatic storytelling, some manage to portray criminal proceedings with remarkable accuracy.
In fifth place: The Alcàsser Case
According to Miriam, “The Alcàsser Case” ranks fifth because it focuses more on the media phenomenon surrounding the case than on the actual criminal proceedings.
The documentary captures the social and television impact very well, but leaves important legal and procedural aspects in the background.
Even so, it helps viewers understand how media pressure can influence certain criminal cases.
In fourth place: Where Is Marta?
“Where Is Marta?” stands out for portraying one of the most complex situations in criminal law: obtaining a conviction without the victim’s body ever being found.
The case helps explain how the justice system can build a prosecution and reach a conviction through evidence and circumstantial proof, even when one of the key elements of the investigation is missing.
In third place: The Asunta Case
“The Asunta Case” portrays quite accurately how a jury trial works in Spain.
It also clearly illustrates the importance of circumstantial evidence in criminal proceedings, showing how different indications and facts can lead to a strong judicial conviction even without definitive direct evidence.
In second place: Wanninkhof-Carabantes
The Wanninkhof-Carabantes case ranks very highly because it highlights one of the most delicate aspects of the justice system: wrongful convictions and judicial error.
The production allows viewers to understand how an investigation can initially lead to the wrong conclusion and how the system later attempts to correct that mistake.
It also reflects the enormous human and social impact that an unjust conviction can generate.
In first place: Crims
For Miriam Cordón, the production that comes closest to legal reality is “Crims”.
One of its greatest strengths is the use of real judicial files and case records to reconstruct the investigations, allowing the audience to see more accurately how criminal investigations actually unfold.
The series manages to bring viewers closer to the technical and procedural reality of the justice system without relying solely on spectacle or dramatization.
Justice does not work like television
Although many productions help explain certain aspects of the criminal justice system, it is important to remember that real justice is usually far more technical, slower and more complex than what appears on screen.
At the same time, these types of productions can help bring legal concepts closer to the general public and improve understanding of how criminal proceedings work in Spain.
Because behind every media case, there is always a much deeper legal reality than the one usually shown on television.
