Mediatization and Justice: How Public Participation Influences Legal Processes Through Online Discovery
Mediatization and Justice: How Public Participation Influences Legal Processes Through Online Discovery

Summary/Abstract: Mediatization has been widely studied in politics and culture, but its implications for lawremain underexplored. This research addresses that gap by analyzing how the evolving media land-scape – characterized by accessible legal materials and the rise of DIY culture enabled by digital toolsand social media – creates new opportunities for non-professionals to engage with legal cases. The studyinvestigates the kinds of discoveries activists can make when discourse and action are democratized,illustrating how public engagement, facilitated by mediatization, can lead to significant contributionsin legal contexts. The study focuses on how public participation influenced Roman Zadorov’s 2023acquittal in the murder case of Tair Rada in Israel. In the Zadorov case, activists consulted experts,re-analyzed evidence, and uncovered new findings, demonstrating how public involvement reshapedlegal narratives and outcomes. Rather than arguing that law is driven by media, this study demonstrates how mediatization provides structures of opportunities that can make legal processes more transparentand inclusive.

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