‘Greater media scrutiny’ needed for family courts, says MoJ
January 21st, 2010Posted by Judith Townend in Editors' pick, Journalism, Legal, Newspapers
New legislative proposals in the Children, Schools and Families Bill should “encourage” media attendance at family court cases, the Ministry of Justice has announced.
In a release, the MoJ cites evidence that media attendance has been limited since access to family courts was first granted in April 2009.
The study shows that, from a survey of court staff:
- 25 per cent said journalists had attended hearings at their court since the rule change
- 15 per cent said journalists had attended hearings only once and did not come back
- 11 per cent said that media attendance had led directly to an article being published
- Other issues highlighted by respondents included the importance of clear guidelines for staff and media, accessible court lists and extra seats in courts.
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- #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – reporting family court proceedings
- ‘Accredited media’ not yet defined, Ministry of Justice tells Journalism.co.uk
- Newspaper Society welcomes call for scrapping of media access to family court plans
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