The Judiciarys Law Journal

The Judiciarys Law Journal

From Silence to Narrative: An Analysis of the MeToo Movement as Narrative Justice

Document Type : Research/Original/Regular Article

Authors
1 University of Tehran
2 Master at Criminal Law & Criminology, Faculty of Law & Political Science, University of Tehran
10.22106/jlj.2026.2065836.6345
Abstract
This article examines the achievements and challenges of the MeToo movement through the lens of "narrative justice." By amplifying the voices of survivors of sexual violence, the movement has evolved into a collective and political act. However, employing an analytical-descriptive approach, this article demonstrates that, despite its discursive successes, the movement has often remained confined to the stage of "disclosure" and faces a fundamental paradox within the criminal justice system: the tension between the survivor's right to be heard and the accused's right to the presumption of innocence. Critiquing the historical solution of suppressing or silencing narratives to uphold the presumption of innocence, this study argues that a just approach lies in establishing a balance that reasonably safeguards both rights. The criminal justice system is obliged to protect the fundamental right to the presumption of innocence and the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while simultaneously recognizing the fundamental right of survivors to be heard and seek justice. Although the proposed model does not resolve all complexities, it at least keeps this paradox "open" in a just manner, rather than resolving it in favor of one party.
Keywords

Subjects



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 May 2026

  • Receive Date 14 July 2025
  • Revise Date 25 September 2025
  • Accept Date 10 May 2026
  • First Publish Date 10 May 2026
  • Publish Date 10 May 2026