Media Speculation in Reporting: The Tension Between Justice and Media
At the SALON DISCUSSION on November 16, 2016, a distinguished panel of legal experts, corporate representatives, and media professionals discussed the impacts and consequences of media-driven prejudgment in legal proceedings, particularly in criminal cases.
In Austria, compared to Germany and other European countries, media reporting is still highly susceptible to interpretation and has significant effects on those accused. The long duration of trials can destroy families and careers long before a verdict is reached, regardless of the presumption of innocence.
Guest speakers for the evening included Austrian Minister of Justice Dr. Wolfgang Brandstetter and President of the Austrian Bar Association Dr. Rupert Wolff. They debated the opportunities and risks of media reporting, as well as the Media Decree introduced in 2016.
