We searched and waited for answers
Trials and tribulations caught the world's attention throughout 2014, with searches for 'pistorius verdict' spiking 55x.
Pivotal moments of 2014
Dramatic verdicts
It's been a year of big decisions. The world watched as the people of Scotland waited for the result of the historic referendum. The trial of Oscar Pistorius led to several spikes in search, and the legal process surrounding the events unfolding in Ferguson caused concern across the globe.
All eyes on South Africa
The Pistorius trial garnered international attention throughout 2014. Searches for the former Paralympian peaked at crucial moments during the court case. He was sentenced in October.
The court case kept the world in suspense, with 'trial live,' 'news,' 'update' and 'latest' consistently searched throughout the Pistorius trial. He was eventually found guilty of culpable homicide.
Searches in South Africa for the lead prosecutor in the trial, Gerrie Nel, spiked 50x during his fierce cross-examination of Pistorius.
A disaster at sea
After the sinking of the MV Sewol in April, searches for 'south korea ferry' increased dramatically. 304 passengers lost their lives, and the captain of the ship was sentenced to 36 years in prison.
Scotland voted no to independence, but search told a different story
Searches for 'scotland independence poll' spiked over 17x globally. Months before the referendum, the UK searched for 'scotland yes' over 3x more than 'scotland no.'
Tensions erupted in Missouri
The shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, USA, led to public demonstrations. Searches for the city spiked 709x as the protests turned into riots, creating widespread disorder.
Top five Ferguson-related questions in search:
- Where is Ferguson?
- Who shot Michael Brown?
- What happened to Michael Brown?
- How old was Michael Brown?
- What is going on in Ferguson?
A bite, a ban and FC Barcelona
FIFA banned Luis Suárez from "football-related activity" for four months for biting an opponent, causing him to spike 25x in search. After several appeals, his ban was reduced, and he signed with FC Barcelona. .