Trial by Social Media and the Transformation of Legal Culture in Indonesian Criminal Justice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66111/1d6nmg62Keywords:
Trial by Social Media, Legal Culture, Criminal Justice, Presumption of Innocence, Digital SocietyAbstract
The rapid expansion of social media has transformed public participation in Indonesia's criminal justice system. Digital platforms no longer function solely as channels for communication but have also become spaces where public opinion is formed and judgments regarding criminal cases are expressed before judicial proceedings are concluded. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as trial by social media, raises significant concerns regarding the presumption of innocence, due process of law, and judicial independence. This study examines how trial by social media has transformed legal culture within the Indonesian criminal justice system. Employing normative legal research, this article adopts statutory, conceptual, and case approaches by analysing relevant legislation, legal principles, selected criminal cases, and contemporary legal scholarship. The study argues that social media has altered legal culture by shifting public trust from formal judicial institutions toward digital public opinion, thereby increasing pressure on law enforcement authorities and influencing perceptions of justice. The findings demonstrate that the transformation of legal culture requires a balanced legal response that preserves public participation while safeguarding fundamental principles of criminal justice. Strengthening digital legal awareness and reinforcing due process are essential to maintaining the legitimacy and integrity of Indonesia's criminal justice system.
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