Pope John Paul II Journal of Philosophy

The proliferation of online media platforms has given rise to a new form of public scrutiny, where individuals are tried and convicted in the court of public opinion before being formally charged or convicted. This phenomenon, known as online media trials, has significant implications for justice delivery and the human person in Nigeria. This research examines the implications of online media trials on justice delivery to the human person in Nigeria, exploring the legal, social, and ethical dimensions of this phenomenon. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature, empirical studies and case analyses, this research examines the patterns of online media trials across various platforms, citing case studies in Nigeria. The study reveals that online media trials undermine the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, leads to cyberbullying, online harassment and reputational damage, discredit the legal system and erode public trust; often prioritize clickbait and sensationalism over factual accuracy and fairness, and have significant psychological and emotional impacts on individuals and their families. The research conclude that online media trials have significant implications for justice delivery and the human person in Nigeria. This research highlights the need for a balanced approach that balances freedom of expression with the right to a fair trial and the protection of human dignity in the digital age. To mitigate the negative implications of online media trials, this research recommends legal reforms to protect individuals from online media-induced prejudice and provision of ethical guidelines for responsible online media reporting.

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