In the Harry Potter universe, justice is not always delivered impartially through institutions like the Ministry of Magic or the Wizengamot. Time and again, public opinion and collective sentiment have played a significant role in determining the fate of individuals—both fairly and unjustly.

Take Sirius Black, wrongfully imprisoned without a trial. His reputation as a mass murderer stuck largely because the public was convinced of his guilt. It wasn’t until Harry and others pushed back, armed with the truth and growing public sympathy, that his narrative began to shift—though, tragically, too late.

Similarly, Harry himself faced scrutiny from the public and media during The Order of the Phoenix, when the Ministry painted him as delusional. Only when Voldemort’s return became undeniable did public opinion turn back in his favor, revealing how volatile and influential the court of public opinion can be.

In contrast, Dolores Umbridge rose to power due in part to her alignment with Ministry propaganda, despite her cruel methods. The public’s complacency—or fear—allowed injustice to flourish under her rule at Hogwarts.

This theme mirrors real-world questions: How much power should the public have in shaping justice? Can media manipulation warp the truth? And when should public support override institutional decisions?

Ultimately, Rowling’s world teaches us that justice is not only a legal issue but a moral and social one—and the role of the people is critical in defending or denying it.