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.