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Cancel Culture & Social Media As Judge, Jury, And Executioner

Social media and 'cancel culture,' fueled by online tabloids, are conducting media trials. Although determining guilt outside of courtrooms is not new, the ease with which media outlets can pursue people online is somewhat unique. This winter, legal conferences in 2022 will highlight the role of social media in today's legal decisions.

Trial By Media - What Is It?

Before a court of law renders a decision, a high-profile figure accused of a crime is determined guilty or innocent by television or newspaper coverage. Such incidents have been exacerbated by social media and the 'cancel culture,' in which anyone, despite limited access to facts, can determine and publicly state whether they believe a person is guilty and then demand that person be 'canceled.'

'Cancelling' often translates to getting fired, frequently inciting widespread hatred and 'trolling' against the person, the organization, or even a community. In dictating the trial, a wide section of the public effectively becomes the judge, the jury in deciding their fate, and the executioner regarding their career and reputation.

Why Is It Dangerous?

Trial by media is risky because it jeopardizes fundamental legal principles such as the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven. The evidence of a court case is often lacking on Twitter and in the tabloids to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The media's assumption of responsibility can be problematic, as has been noted in several high. Social media and the press can also jeopardize the concept of a fair trial, as speakers who will be attending the Law 2.0 Conference noted. How can high-profile defendants expect a fair trial when the media has declared them guilty?

Furthermore, the 'trials by media' and 'cancel' culture overlook another important aspect of the law: the balance between justice and mercy. A trial in which guilt is presumed, facts are minimized, defenses might be rejected without consideration, and the unavoidable sentence of 'cancellation' is served at any cost.

The Other Side Of The Coin

While critics bring some solid points against the idea of cancel culture, one has to consider polarizing viewpoints to better understand why it has caught on. The idea of cancel culture is also about remembering that no matter how famous or popular someone may be, they can still be held accountable for their actions and opinions.

Social activists claim that this type of dialogue is necessary in order to combat systemic oppression and prejudice. Critics also miss a crucial point— that cancel culture is often born out of frustration with institutions unable to respond effectively to reports of abuse and harassment. It is a symptom of a significant, deep-rooted issue.

Presenting both sides, professionals will dive deep into the impact of social media and cancel culture on the legal system, along with various challenges & solutions at the legal conference in 2022— the Law 2.0 Conference.

Sai Narula

A part of the Law 2.0 Conference team, Sai is responsible for the smooth registration of the attendees. The upcoming edition of the Law 2.0 Conference will address some serious issues, including the fraud and scam practices perpetrated by spammers. The lineup of experienced legal professionals will flash the spotlight on the ever-evolving legal landscape.