Celebrity Trials: Media Attention, Fair Trial, and Defendant Security

This essay analyzes the complex relationship between media coverage and the fairness of trials, particularly when celebrities are involved. It explores the arguments for and against live television coverage of court proceedings, considering the public's right to information versus the potential for humiliation and the difficulty of protecting witnesses' identities. The essay examines whether celebrity status influences the likelihood of a fair trial, using examples like the cases of O.J. Simpson and Martha Stewart to illustrate how media attention and public perception can affect legal outcomes. It also discusses the need for information safeguards and security measures to protect defendants in the public eye. The essay concludes by highlighting the challenges of balancing public interest with the rights of individuals involved in high-profile legal cases.

Running head: CELEBRITY TRIALS
Celebrity Trials
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Live Television Coverage in Courtrooms
The issue about television live coverage of court proceedings has strong supporters and
critics. As several jurors and analysts have admitted, there are logical and considerate arguments
from both sides.
Pros
a) Right to get informed
The public has the right to know how justice is delivered on some cases that are of their
interest. This can only happen if court proceedings are aired live on television. Since we are in a
democratic world, the legal proceedings should be seen by everybody who wants to watch or
follow the case as it is. Judges have been criticized over judgments they deliver and it is fair that
citizens get to watch exactly how process is handled in courtrooms.
b) Increase more faith and trust in Judiciary
For some reasons, people have gave up and lost hope in the judicial system. That has led to
some cases being settled outside the courtroom than taking them to court with an expectation that
justice will be denied or delayed in favor of another party. However, when proceedings are
brought live on air through television, things become clearer and trust is restored in the judicial
system.

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Cons
a) Humiliating
Some embarrassing questions always erupt during the proceedings that also taint even the
innocent to prove a point. The videos from courtrooms always go round especially in social
media and that reminds the participants about the awkwardness. It is uncomfortable in cases such
as of rape or to the innocents framed as well.
b) Safeguarding Identity
With live coverage in the courtrooms, it is very difficult to protect the identity of the witness
or victims. In some cases, the victims or participants involved in different cases may face harsh
judgment of the community in a negative way.
Routine televised live coverage of courtroom proceedings influences the accomplices as
well as the jurors. Live coverage encourages fairness as there will be no room to give the verdict
based on what has not been argued out by the participants (Herz, 2016). Witnesses may also fail
to turn up for fear of their lives. This is because their identity cannot be hidden. The conduct of
attorneys in live televised proceedings is more recommendable; this is because they have to
consider all reliable evidence to decide as compared to a fictional courtroom proceedings.
Does being a celebrity make a defendant more or less likely to receive a fair trial due
to the media attention and publicity? Why or why not? Should there be more information
safeguards and security for defendants who are in the public eye?
Being a celebrity may affect the case an individual during the trial. For example; Nomi
Campbell a supermodel pleaded guilty in assaulting her maid but was allowed to cop to a

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misdemeanor. This shows that celebrities sometimes receive special treatment in a court of law
(Belmas & Overbeck, 2014). The media tends to manipulate the perception of people towards the
character. This eventually affects the case to some degree.
Information protections are important in security matters about the defendant. Many
information safeties and security for the defendant may not be reliable. This is because many
information safeguards may be a liability to manipulation from different parties involved. If the
information were to be leaked, then it would be difficult to discover the source. On the other
hand, there should be more security on the defendant for better protection to both him and even
the witnesses. This will prevent him from interfering with the case both directly and indirectly.
The O.J Simpson case
The case involving O.J Simpson was watched closely by over 150 million Americans.
This resulted in the public playing a role in the final verdict. The case was also affected by
racism factors (The OJ Simpson trials: Where are they now?, 2017). The trials involving Scott
Peterson, O.J Simpson, and the Menendez did not represent normal judicial proceedings (The
Menendez brothers murder their parents, n.d.). This is evident due to the manipulation of the
cases by the public. It is not necessary for the public to know more details about the participants
in these cases. Public influences the opinions concerning certain individuals and that may affect
the general verdict negatively.
Martha Stewart case
Stewart’s decoration in prison was of public importance. This was an example to the
public that nothing can stop you from pursuing your dream.

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Martha Stewart`s imprisonment meant to provide an example of equivalent justice for celebrities.
On the other hand, media focused on Stewart’s case for different reasons. They were
protecting their kind from intimidation from the public. They also had to conduct Media
coverage due to the concern by the public.

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References
Belmas, G., & Overbeck, W. (2014). Major Principles of Media Law, 2015. Cengage Learning.
Herz, R. (2016, July 27). What are the implications of television cameras in the courtroom?
Retrieved from Panel Forum: https://www.penalreform.org/blog/what-are-the-
implications-of-television-cameras-in/
The Menendez brothers murder their parents. (n.d.). Retrieved from A&E Television Networks:
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-menendez-brothers-murder-their-parents
The OJ Simpson trials: Where are they now? (2017, July 20). Retrieved from BBC:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-40667329