CONDEMNED BY THE MEDIA: INFLUENCE AND PERSPECTIVES OF CIVIL LIABILITY OF THE MEDIA FOR "PRE-CONVICTION" IN HIGH-PROFILE CRIMINAL CASES

Abstract

The objective of this article is to explore the influence of the media on public opinion in crimes of great repercussion, leading to the possible pre-conviction of the subject reported. Possible perspectives for holding the press accountable in the sphere of civil law will be addressed, after analysis and consideration of legal principles. The role of the media in the formation of public opinion will be analyzed, in addition to its influence on the perception of the guilt of the accused before a formal trial. To this end, concrete cases will be discussed, in order to illustrate how sensationalist and premature narratives, combined with the emphasis on emotions, can compromise the right to the presumption of innocence and the impartiality of the judicial process.