Impact Of Social Media on Legal Decision-Making
Written by Bhaviya Singh
Table of Contents
- ABSTRACT
- INTRODUCTION
- IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
- CHALLENGES
- METHODS TO REDUCE THE DIFFICULTIES
- CONCLUSION
- REFERENCES
ABSTRACT
Social media, where everyone assumes the role of an expert and every post resembles a court filing has become integral to modern life while simultaneously complicating the legal landscape. It introduces drama and public opinions that often overshadow the pursuit of justice. The Indian legal community is facing major challenges with data security and privacy as a result of social media’s substantial influence on court procedures. This paper examines how social media has transformed interpersonal interactions and explores its impact on the legal field, emphasizing the challenges it poses to maintaining a fair and unbiased judicial process.
INTRODUCTION
India’s legal system is not immune to the significant influences of social media. The judicial process now operates in a different way as a result of the instantaneous sharing and widespread dissemination of information. Legal experts and witnesses conduct, as well as the public’s impression of ongoing cases, are all impacted by social media’s influence on legal decision-making. The ease with which material can circulate online both truthful and false threatens seriously to undermine the integrity of court procedures.
The purpose of this essay is to examine the various ways that social media affects legal decision-making. It will look at how social media platforms can shape public opinion, which can influence court decisions, and how the digital era has made it more difficult to protect data security and privacy in legal contexts. It will also examine the moral and legal issues that come up when social media and the legal system collide, arguing in favour of strict rules that guarantee openness, responsibility, and justice in the legal system.
This article aims to highlight the significance of modifying legal frameworks to meet the challenges presented by the digital age by analysing the impact of social media on the legal profession. In the end, the goal is to maintain the integrity of judicial decision-making in a world that is becoming more interconnected.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
The widespread influence of social media has had a major impact on the judiciary, changing how justice is distributed. Perception and pressure from the general public are two main effects. Social media sites have the power to magnify public opinion and put a great deal of pressure on the courts. High-profile cases frequently attract a lot of attention and criticism, which might result in a “trial by media” situation.
The legal system is not immune to the impact of social media; judges frequently encounter opinions and data that skew their judgments. The fair trial process is hampered by this dilemma. In the eyes of the judges, this increases the likelihood of impartiality. Furthermore, the extensive disclosure of case information on social media by unapproved sources may violate the confidentiality of the court proceedings and the parties concerned. It is simple to [1]obtain and disseminate sensitive information on defendants, witnesses, and victims, which could result in intimidation or harassment.
The case laws of Shreya Singhal v. Union of India and Arun Jaitley v. State of UP. The upside of this, though, is that social media can be a useful instrument for revealing judicial wrongdoing. However, there is a drawback to that as well, in that it can exacerbate reputational harm brought about by unfounded claims of judges’ wrongdoing.
CHALLENGES
- Privacy Concerns: People frequently post personal information on social networking sites that they may not want the world to see. Concerns regarding privacy invasion arise when social media is used as evidence in court since private messages or delicate personal information might be revealed without permission.
- False or Inaccurate Information: Not all information posted on social media platforms is trustworthy or accurate. Posts, images, and videos that are false or deceptive can spread quickly, affecting people’s opinions and rulings in court. Inaccurate information and unfair results may result from this.
- Selective Representation: People may use social media to display information in a way that favours them or that sways public opinion in their favor. The facts may be distorted by this selective representation, and the impartial administration of justice may be hampered.
- Evidence Tampering: The ease with which social media content can be altered, removed, or manipulated raises questions about the veracity and integrity of the evidence gleaned from these sites. In an effort to sway the result of a case, parties engaged in legal procedures may try to alter or remove social media evidence.
- Bias and Prejudice: Social media platforms have the power to magnify biases and prejudices, which may have an impact on how parties to judicial processes are perceived. Social media stereotypes, discriminatory remarks, and biased attitudes have the power to sway the opinions of juries, judges, and members of the public, potentially resulting in unfair punishment.
METHODS TO REDUCE THE DIFFICULTIES
- Maintain Professionalism: Act with the utmost professionalism in all of your interactions on social media. Avoid contentious or polarizing debates and refrain from criticizing your clients, colleagues, or the legal system.
- Maintain Client Confidentiality: Maintain client confidentiality at all times. Even generally, stay away from posting specifics about personal experiences or sensitive information on social media.
- Engage Thoughtfully: Participate in online debates about legal issues in a thoughtful and positive manner. Show off your knowledge by offering insightful commentary, taking part in business discussions, and making a significant contribution to the legal community.
- Keep Up with Ethical Considerations: Keep up with the latest ethical rules and issues surrounding attorneys’ usage of social media. To guarantee adherence to ethical duties, take part in professional development activities, attend pertinent training sessions, and consult ethics experts as necessary.
CONCLUSION
Social media has both beneficial and harmful effects. on the one hand, in opposition to the advantage. Social media contributes to more transparency and an informed public, but it also breeds misinformation, unwarranted public pressure, and bias in legal procedures. In order to present the judiciary in the best possible light, it will also be necessary to use specific tactics, such as ethical issues. Going forward, social media must continue to be used as a tool that supports the decision-making process rather than impeding it. This will require a balanced approach that upholds the principles of justice and free speech.
[3]The influence of social media on legal decision-making is significant and revolutionary in this age of digital interconnection. The dynamics of courtrooms are rapidly changing, ranging from providing evidence to influencing public opinion and juror behavior. Lawmakers, the general public, and legal experts must have a deliberate and proactive conversation as we address the issues raised by social media.
REFERENCES
https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-11337-impact-of-social-media-on-judges.html
https://studycrumb.com/law-research-paper-topics
