La influencia de la presión mediática en la independencia judicial en los procesos penales en Ecuador.

Abstract

Judicial independence guarantees that Ecuadorian judges resolve legal cases in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without interference, external pressures, or political or economic interests. However, in high-profile criminal proceedings, the performance of the media, whether traditional or digital, has become an element capable of undermining the judicial case and citizens' discernment of judicial decisions. The cases of high public interest detailed show that media pressure coincides with sensitive judicial proceedings, such as the formulation of charges or the resolution of the sentence. In this context, negative media coverage can influence a particular case, creating perceptions of bias or partiality, to the extent that they even prejudge the decision that belongs solely to the judge, even when the decision is in accordance with the law.