Media Law: 7 Access to courts Flashcards
areas of law that say courts should be public
[3]
- case law
- statute law
- guidelines for court system
case summing up media access to courts
[3]
- A-G v Leveller Magazine (1979)
- nothing should discourage fair and accurate publication of court proceedings
- UNLESS it would ‘frustrate or render impracticable the administration of justice’
case summing up embarrassment
[2]
- Scott v Scott (1913)
- embarrassment NOT a reason for private courts
which HRA article is free trial?
[1]
- Article 6
HRA provisions for trial in private
[4]
- interest of morals, public order or national security
- in order to protect juveniles
- in order to protect private life of parties
- when publicity would prejudice justice
main article of HRA that needs balancing with Private Life
[1]
- Article 10: freedom of expression
DEF: something to take into account when considering banning access
- principle of proportionality
- e.g. could a ban on reporting be just as effective as a ban on public access?
sources of court guidelines
[2]
- Civil Procedure Rules
- guidelines issued by Judicial Studies Board (latest 2009)
principles set out in guidelines
[4]
- generally, courts should be public
- restriction of access should be exceptional / necessity
- courts must stay in line with Articles 6 (trial) and 10 (expression) of HRA
- media representation before access restriction, or if varying or lifting restrictions
types of hearing (in terms of access)
[3]
- in open court
- in private
- in chambers
hearings in open court
[3]
- held in courtroom
- public and press allowed
- reporting restrictions can still apply (either automatically or by order)
hearing in private
[5]
- neither public nor press allowed
- formerly known as ‘in camera’
- NO reporting restrictions (providing someone there is willing to tell the press what happened)
- BUT privilege defence for defamation doesn’t count
- AND reporting certain private proceedings is contempt
McPherson v McPherson (1936)
[3]
- Govt minister divorce
- ‘open’ proceedings behind door ajar with PRIVATE sign
- Privy Council ruled it was invalid
hearings in chambers
[2]
- in judges’ offices, etc. (usually for convenience)
- press don’t have right to attend, but if requested they should be given access where possible
when hearing in chambers are interesting
[3]
- fairly rare
- Hodgson v Imperial Tobacco
- judges discretion to make arrangements (e.g. one member of press allowed to take notes)
what to do if you’re unsure about access
[1]
- ask for an enquiry to be sent to the judge
sources of access restrictions (and where they apply)
[4]
- common law (any courts)
- statutory powers (specific courts)
- court rules (specific courts)
- HRA
Warrington Guardian case (2008)
[2]
- journalist not allowed in bail hearing or given verdict after
- sent letter to judge, received verdict few hours after