10/08/2026
Innocent until proven guilty. But does that principle still hold in today’s social media age?
A criminal case doesn’t always begin in the courtroom. Sometimes, it begins online.
When police departments or prosecutors’ offices publicly discuss an arrest or pending case, the information shared can shape public perception long before a defendant has had the opportunity to present their side in court. Once a narrative takes hold, it can be hard to undo, even if later facts tell a different story.
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of our justice system. So where should we draw the line between informing the public and protecting a defendant’s right to a fair trial?