The Influence Of Social Media On Public Opinion And Its Impact On Fair Trials
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Sourav Roy, BBA LLB, Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, Maharashtra
ABSTRACT
This study examines the multi-dimensional influence of social media on public opinion and its subsequent impact on the right to a fair trial. The advent of digital platforms has democratized information sharing and public discourse, allowing for increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement and judicial processes. However, this accessibility has also led to the rise of “Trial by media” where public sentiment often fuelled by emotions, speculation, and misinformation leading to prerequisite determination of guilt or innocence before legal proceedings are concluded.
The research highlights a critical need for a balanced and nuanced approach. This involves reinforcing judicial supervision mechanisms, promoting accountable journalism and content moderation policies on digital platforms including social media platforms, and enhancing public legal knowledge to help citizens differentiate between factual reporting and online speculation. Ultimately, the paper concludes that while social media can be a powerful tool for civic engagement, its role in the context of criminal trials must be carefully managed to safeguard the integrity of the judicial system and uphold the constitutional rights of all individuals involved.
A well settled balance is essential not only for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process but also for protecting the constitutional rights of those involved in criminal proceedings. The study calls for a collaborative approach, involving the legal system, media professionals, digital platforms, and the public, to ensure that social media’s influence on criminal trials is carefully monitored and managed. Only through such collective efforts can we safeguard the fundamental principle that every individual is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, free from the prejudices and biases that can arise from public opinion swayed by media sensationalism.
