Trial by media - Accused has rights too

Claire Loftus, Director of Public Prosecutions, is right when she says the media should not interfere with an accused person’s right to a fair trial. As she points out, there is a growing risk of trials being postponed for long periods or even indefinitely when prejudicial material is published.

Because some lawyers attempt to muzzle the press, radio or TV, to protect their clients’ interests at any cost, it is also vital to copper-fasten the rights of the media which is duty bound to investigate the nefarious activities of rich and powerful individuals and groups.

However, the race to increase press circulation or the dominance of certain broadcasting organisations, can result in the wrong kind of pre-trial publicity. To ensure that a trial is fair, no element of the media can set itself up as judge and jury before a case is heard.