Trying cases in the court of public opinion refers to using the news media to influence public support for one side or the other in a court case. This can result in persons outside the justice system (i.e. people other than the judge or jury) taking action for or against a party. For instance, the reputation of a party may be greatly damaged even if they win the case. A lawyer noted that when he represents high-profile clients, he sometimes finds them in a (figurative) Bermuda triangle of cross-currents generated by a criminal investigation, the news media, and the U.S. Congress. It has been noted that there is no Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in the court of public opinion.
Trying cases in the court of public opinion refers to using the news media to influence public support for one side or the other in a court case. This can result in persons outside the justice system (i.e. people other than the judge or jury) taking action for or against a party. For instance, the reputation of a party may be greatly damaged even if they win the case. Lawyer Robert S. Bennett noted that when he represents high-profile clients, he sometimes finds them in a (figurative) Bermuda triangle of cross-currents generated by a criminal investigation, the news media, and the U.S. Congress. It has been noted that there is no Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in the court of public opinion.
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A lawyer
Lawyer Robert S. Bennett