Court out on camera

TV cameras are to be allowed into the Court of Appeal for the first time in a bid to “improve transparency”.

Justice secretary Ken Clarke said this week that the ban on filming in the courts would be overturned to improve public understanding of the justice system. Filming will be of judges’ summary remarks only—witnesses, offenders, victims, and jurors will not be filmed.

Footage will first be broadcast from the Court of Appeal, and the government will then look to expand the scheme to include the crown court. Clarke said all changes would be worked out in close consultation with the judiciary, and that he wished to avoid turning the courts into a “legal theatre”.

The move follows a campaign by Sky News, BBC, and ITN to get the ban lifted. Sky News currently holds the right to broadcast a live video stream from the Supreme Court on its website. 

The government will bring forward legislation to amend s 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 and s 9 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, which prohibit broadcasting in court.

Clarke said more information about the performance of the courts will be published in future, including how long it takes each court to process small claims hearings, larger civil and family cases and care proceedings.

Peter Lodder QC, chairman of the Bar Council, speaking ahead of Clarke’s announcement this week, said: “The Bar is well aware of the increasing dominance of the broadcast and internet-based media in public life, and we offer a qualified welcome to these proposals. It is vital that the judiciary are consulted and that the welfare of victims, witnesses, and jury members is taken into account.”