2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part C
Social media as a tool for highlighting inequality and injustice in Jamaica’s justice system: Opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations
Author(s): Paul Andrew Bourne
Abstract: Social media has emerged as a transformative tool for highlighting systemic inequalities and injustices within Jamaica’s justice system. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook enable citizens, activists, and civil society organisations to disseminate information rapidly, document abuses, and mobilise public opinion. By providing a space for digital activism, social media circumvents traditional media gatekeepers and amplifies the voices of marginalised communities, including victims of police brutality, corruption, and unequal legal representation. High-profile cases, including those involving police misconduct, prolonged pretrial detentions, and inequitable sentencing, have demonstrated the capacity of social media to shape national discourse, influence policy, and prompt legal reforms. However, using digital platforms also presents challenges, including the spread of misinformation, online harassment, and unequal access to technology, which may limit participation for specific groups. The interplay between online advocacy and institutional response illustrates both the potential and limitations of social media as a tool for justice. This paper examines the historical context of Jamaica’s justice system, the mechanisms of digital activism, and the ethical and practical considerations associated with online engagement. By analysing case studies, legal frameworks, and the role of civil society, the study highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving transparency, accountability, and equity. Ultimately, social media represents a critical avenue for promoting justice and addressing systemic inequalities, provided its use is coupled with robust ethical practices and supportive policy frameworks.
DOI: 10.22271/27084450.2025.v6.i2c.137
Pages: 209-215 | Views: 83 | Downloads: 51
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How to cite this article:
Paul Andrew Bourne. Social media as a tool for highlighting inequality and injustice in Jamaica’s justice system: Opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations. International Journal of Advanced Mass Communication and Journalism. 2025; 6(2): 209-215. DOI: 10.22271/27084450.2025.v6.i2c.137
