Witch hunt or justice?

Perhaps more than any other time in history, it is easy to be heard. This includes speaking out against people in the public eye. But is going straight to the court of public opinion a fair and just way to punish someone? Do public figures have a right to certain protections? Is due process sacrificed when public figures are accused so publicly? Perhaps more importantly, is the severity of the punishment ultimately diminished as a result? Diverse perspectives approach this relatively new phenomenon from a number of angles.