# court of public opinion

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/court-of-public-opinion
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The news media and the public at large, seen as being able to deliver a judgement on someone in the manner of a judge.

## Examples

- He lost his reputation in the court of public opinion.
- Even though the law found him innocent, he still suffered in the court of public opinion.
- The politician struggled to defend his controversial actions, knowing that the court of public opinion had already decided his fate before the investigation concluded.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.