A comprehensive guide to terminology commonly used in true crime podcasts. Understanding these terms will enhance your listening experience and comprehension of complex cases.
A criminal investigation that remains unsolved and is no longer being actively pursued by law enforcement due to a lack of evidence or leads.
Freedom of Information Act request; a formal request for access to records from federal agencies, often used in investigative podcasts to obtain official documents.
A non-fiction literary, podcast, or film genre that examines actual crimes and the real people involved in them, including victims, perpetrators, and investigators.
A form of journalism that involves in-depth research and detailed investigation of a single topic of interest, such as serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing.
A podcast format where a single story or case is examined over multiple episodes, typically diving deep into various aspects and developments of the case.
Want to learn more? Check out our comprehensive listening guides for deeper insights into true crime podcasting.