The Influence of Social Media on Judicial Independence

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to analyze the influence of social media on judicial independence. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the influence of social media on judicial independence. Preliminary empirical review revealed that social media exerted considerable pressure on judicial processes, potentially compromising judges' independence due to increased scrutiny and criticism. It found that misinformation and sensationalism on social media significantly eroded public trust in the judiciary, leading to distorted perceptions of judicial fairness. Judges were often influenced, consciously or subconsciously, by social media discourse, affecting their decision-making processes. The study highlighted the need for ongoing attention and research to understand and mitigate these influences, ensuring the preservation and strengthening of judicial independence in the digital age. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Silence Theory, Media Dependency Theory and Spiral of Silence Theory may be used to anchor future studies on judicial independence. The study recommended developing comprehensive guidelines for judges' social media engagement to maintain impartiality, and emphasized the need for further research into the psychological impact of social media on judges. It advocated for judicial education and training programs focused on digital literacy and stress management, and suggested establishing institutional support systems for judges facing social media pressures. Additionally, it recommended proactive engagement of judicial institutions with the public through social media to build trust and counteract misinformation. Continuous research and monitoring of social media's impact on the judiciary were also advised to adapt and implement effective strategies proactively.