Putting social media on trial

The Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC has launched research into the impact of social media on criminal trials.

He has launched a Call for Evidence, open until 8 December, asking judges, solicitors and victims’ groups to get in touch with their experience of trials affected by social media commentary and evidence of anonymity orders and reporting restrictions being breached by social media.

Its purpose is to ascertain whether the risks posed by social media to the administration of justice are increasing, and whether any action needs to be taken.

The Attorney General said: ‘Every defendant in this country is entitled to a fair trial where a verdict is delivered based on the evidence heard in court.

‘Our contempt of court laws are designed to prevent trial by media, however, are they able to protect against trials by social media?’