Gladys Berejiklian is fighting to clear her name after Icac’s adverse findings. Is it a risk worth taking?

While some of Gladys Berejiklian’s supporters back her move to appeal the Icac finding, experts say court action can be detrimental even if she is successful. Composite: Getty Images/AAP/ Joel Carrett/ Dean Lewins

Using the courts to clear one’s reputation can seem like a logical path, but it can also backfire spectacularly.

Even victory can prove pyrrhic, as waves of publicity accompanying every court appearance lead to a retelling of the original slur.