In the contemporary era, law enforcement agencies in some nations have broadcasted several criminal cases on social media platforms. From my standpoint, I do perceive that while this practice may bring numerous positives, the overall impact is tremendously negative.
On the one hand, telecasting criminal courts on television could provide the trial panel’s assurance in terms of transparency and observance of the countries’ legal systems. It is indisputable that televising trials could give the audience a better understanding of the order and procedures of the proceedings as well as the process of resolving the case by law officials including judges and prosecutors, to determine whether the case is verdict fairly and objectively or to ensure the legal rights and interests of the parties involved. This can foster trust in the general public toward the judicial system, ensuring all criminal trials are conducted legally and minimizing errors in judgment. Citizens, therefore, are likely to have a chance to gain profound knowledge via practical law situations and perceive the transparency of each state’s legal bases and regulations that they are dwelling on.
On the other hand, I am convinced that there are significant disadvantages to broadcasting criminal courts on digital media, particularly concerning children and the privacy of individuals involved in cases. With the ongoing development of technology, the unbelievably widespread criminal trials’ recaps through television may gradually form children’s misperceptions if they are deficient in their parental guidance, leading to a serious impact on their well-rounded development in the long run. The more violent cases, easily pop up on social media platforms they could approach, the more aggressive behaviors they might try to imitate. Besides, telecasting trial publicity may expose private information, triggering privacy concerns for witnesses, victims as well as accused in cases, and even their families. From that, these individuals are prone to extreme attacks by a part of society in their daily lives, not only on their mental but also their physical health.
In conclusion, despite the fact that televised trials could bring numerous benefits in increasing public awareness and improving the knowledge of the law for the citizens in the country, I firmly believe that these adverse impacts on children and the privacy of relevant parties should be more carefully considered.