Being a celebrity reduces the potential of receiving a fair trial due to publicity and media attention. The media might generate sympathy for the celebrity or take the case against the defendant. But whichever way, every person has the right to a fair trial. The article discusses some celebrity trials in concern to the right to a fair hearing. There are various legal aspects presented by the article about the right to free trial.
First, the article covers Michael Jackson's trial case. The singing superstar has been accused of molesting some children. The media has a great interest in making the world know how the system works for a celebrity. However, the court only allows seven reporters while many other media follow the closed-circuit camera trial. Even though the public has the right to be informed, the judges are convinced that the media leads to distortions.
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As a result of the extensive media coverage, there are potential judges interested in being chosen for the case just for fame. They want to be famous regardless of whether the accused gets a fair trial or not. Unfortunately, the jurors do not get opinions regarding Michael Jackson, meaning they were not interested in the case but to be known. Mr. Farhi adds that most people do not mind sitting on the jury for months to be part of the hearing.
There is a second case where the police in Wichita asked the media to be sued for making inaccurate reports on an investigation of Dennis Rader, a serial killer. Even with the public's right to know, some juries would like the press kept out of the courtroom. The judges imposed gag orders to protect the right to a fair trial. However, the gag orders forbid the people involved in a trial the right to speak. It brings about a contest between the constitutional right to speak and the right to expression.
