User:AdeolaGA/Trial by media

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Often the coverage in the press can be said to reflect the views of the person in the street, and it is specifically drawn from the viewpoint of social classes, which affects how emotions are used in the language and vocabulary of the media. However, more credibility is generally given to printed material than 'water cooler gossip'. The responsibility of the press to confirm reports and leaks about individuals being tried has come under increasing scrutiny and journalists are calling for higher standards. There was much debate over U.S President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial and prosecutor Kenneth Starr's investigation and how the media handled the trial by reporting commentary from lawyers which influenced public opinion.