THE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDIA ON THE FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION: AND ITS REFLECTION ON DUE PROCESS OF LAW

Abstract

Contemporary media occupies a central role in shaping public opinion and providing access to information. However, the sensationalization of news, especially in legal contexts, raises significant ethical and legal concerns. In light of such scenarios, the present research aimed to analyze the impacts of sensationalist media coverage on judicial proceedings, with an emphasis on the presumption of innocence and the impartiality of trials. The specific objectives included: (i) identifying the legal and ethical boundaries of media involvement in judicial cases; (ii) examining the effects of sensationalist coverage on public opinion; and (iii) discussing emblematic cases in which sensationalism led to premature social condemnation. The methodology adopted was qualitative, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, including the analysis of concrete cases. Among the cases studied are the Escola Base case (1994), the Vitória Regina de Sousa case (2025), and the Roberto Perdiza case (2022), which illustrate how hasty media coverage can compromise the neutrality of trials and cause irreparable harm to those involved. Therefore, understanding the role of contemporary media in the legal context is essential for preserving democracy, justice, and ethics in the media. Furthermore, this research seeks to understand the extent to which prior exposure can impact judicial impartiality. In essence, the study aims to comprehend the effect media coverage can have on judicial decisions and the preservation of the principles of justice and impartiality.