Just recently a woman was on trial for killing her baby in a microwave. During the last few months you couldn't watch television without seeing or hearing about such a terrible act. The media already had her guilty and convicted from the first report. She was drunk when she did it and ready for the death penalty. Just when closing arguments started, someone came forward with new information. She didn't do it according to a new witness.
She got a mistrial and still sits in jail waiting for a new one. Many wondered if she could get a fair trial with all that had been said. The media even took the word of her cell mates at one point. Does the media go too far. Even though this is not over, once the media gets hold of something and has their say, it seems that life is over. If it leads it does bleed. No matter what the outcome of the new trial, everyone will always remember what was reported first. As soon as the word mistrial was pronounced, there have been no more reports.
Can a person even get a fair trial these days? We have a lot of public opinion, but what about media attention? Is it good, bad, or plain overboard in bias? You decide.
I know in some cases, the jury is not allowed to have any media exposure to they case. Of course, with many big name cases, that is near impossible.
The whole idea of a public trial is so that the people can watch and make sure no rights are being violated. We need, Constitutionally, for trials to be public. But, I agree, let's not pass judgement. Let's report impartially.