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The first workable application of β-nitrostyrenes and CBr4 as coupling partners for a highly stereoselective synthesis of (E)-cinnamic acids under visible light photoredox catalysis is reported. The reaction involves a radical denitrative tribromomethylation/hydrolysis cascade to afford (E)-cinnamic acids in excellent yields at room temperature in a one-pot procedure. Moreover, the implementation of visible light as a clean and inexpensive energy source and CBr4 as the latent source of carboxylic groups makes the protocol reconcilable with the present day scenario of organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]