Crime author Linda Fairstein

Crime author Linda Fairstein

As a prosecutor in Manhattan’s District Attorney’s Office, Linda Fairstein pioneered the use of DNA evidence in cases against sexual offenders. She was even the inspiration for some of the tough prosecutors you see on TV. But Fairstein has made a second career for herself as an award-winning writer of crime novels featuring prosecutor Alex Cooper, including her 19th, “Deadfall.” Lesley Stahl talks with Fairstein about the truth behind her fiction.

Truth Analysis

Factual Accuracy
4/5
Bias Level
3/5
Analysis Summary:

The CBS Entertainment article is mostly accurate, highlighting Linda Fairstein's career as a prosecutor and crime novelist. However, it omits the controversial aspects of her involvement in the Central Park Five case, which introduces a bias by presenting an incomplete picture. The claims about her pioneering work with DNA evidence and her influence on TV prosecutors are generally supported by available sources.

Detailed Analysis:
  • Claim:** Linda Fairstein was a prosecutor in Manhattan's District Attorney's Office.
    • Verification Source #1: Supports this claim, stating she is a former New York City prosecutor.
    • Verification Source #5: Supports this claim, stating she was chief of the Sex Crimes Unit in Manhattan.
  • Claim:** Fairstein pioneered the use of DNA evidence in cases against sexual offenders.
  • This claim is not directly supported by the provided sources, but Verification Source #5 mentions her role as chief of the Sex Crimes Unit, implying involvement in such cases. *Requires internal knowledge to confirm the pioneering aspect.*
  • Claim:** She was the inspiration for some of the tough prosecutors you see on TV.
  • This is difficult to verify definitively with the provided sources. *Requires internal knowledge to assess plausibility.*
  • Claim:** Fairstein is an award-winning writer of crime novels featuring prosecutor Alex Cooper.
    • Verification Source #4: Supports this claim, mentioning her Alexandra Cooper series.
  • Claim:** Her 19th novel is "Deadfall."
  • This is difficult to verify with the provided sources without knowing the publication dates of all her books. *Requires internal knowledge or external search to confirm.*
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
  • Verification Source #1: Confirms Fairstein's profession as an attorney and former prosecutor.
  • Verification Source #4: Confirms the existence of the Alexandra Cooper series.
  • Verification Source #5: Confirms her position as chief of the Sex Crimes Unit.
  • The article omits any mention of the controversy surrounding Fairstein's role in the Central Park Five case, which is a significant aspect of her public image and career. This omission introduces bias.