Lawyers gave a mixed reaction to news that cameras will be allowed in the Crown Court as early as April or May this year
A ten-second delay will operate and filming will be limited to the judge’s sentencing. Lord Burnett, the Lord Chief Justice, said: ‘I have pressed for this change since I took office two years ago.’
Several lawyers urged caution, fearing context could be missed and facts distorted. Amanda Pinto QC, Chair of the Bar Council, said the initiative would ‘help people understand the realities of our criminal justice system’ but warned: ‘Sentencing must not become an armchair, spectator sport.’
Writing in NLJ this week, however, John Cooper QC argues: ‘Any adult may walk into any Crown Court across the country and listen to proceedings.
‘The widest possible dissemination of the sentencing process can only add to transparency, understanding and, hopefully trust in the criminal justice system.’
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