Category Archives: reporting restrictions

A sensible proposal for online recording of reporting restrictions

Posted on April 9, 2014 by jtownend

Amid concerns over proposed changes to the Contempt of Act 1981, through the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which would introduce new statutory powers for the removal of online material*, it seems worth highlighting some separate recommendations on contempt and … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, access to justice, contempt of court, courts, media law, press freedom, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“Full” courts lists continued: what are the data protection and contempt issues? And who should be able to access them?

Posted on February 11, 2013 by jtownend

A quick update to my recent post on digital publication of Magistrates’ court lists. I reported how blogger Richard Taylor obtained a “full” court list from his local Magistrates’ Court following a Freedom of Information request. However, he did not … Continue reading →

Posted in access to justice, blogging, courts, data, digital open justice, public interest, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Reporting privacy injunctions: a response from Gideon Benaim

Posted on September 13, 2012 by jtownend

I recently asked a couple of questions about reporting anonymised privacy injunctions, following a piece by Gideon Benaim in the Guardian. Benaim, a partner at Michael Simkins LLP, has responded with a full blog post response, which is published on Inforrm … Continue reading →

Posted in courts, data, digital open justice, media law, newspapers, privacy, public interest, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sketches from Leveson

Posted on August 24, 2012 by jtownend

Drawing in the courtroom is prohibited under s41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925, so broadcasters and newspapers use pastel sketches by talented and specialist artists who draw from memory outside the courtroom. This restriction does not apply to hearings in the Supreme … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, courts, digital open justice, leveson inquiry, media ethics, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Analysis: Privacy cases re-visited, a year on from Super Injunction Spring – Judith Townend

Posted on August 7, 2012 by jtownend

Inforrm's Blog A year on from the introduction of the Master of the Rolls’ Practice Guidance, six privacy injunctions have been discharged, but with the claimant’s anonymity maintained in each case. The British media, however, hasn’t had much to say. … Continue reading →

Posted in courts, media law, newspapers, privacy, reporting restrictions, super injunctions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Employment tribunals and closed material proceedings

Posted on May 14, 2012 by jtownend

By Lawrence McNamara With the Justice and Security Bill due soon, some interesting issues are arising around the use of closed material proceedings in Employment Tribunals. Under Rule 54 of the regulations that govern procedure, closed proceedings and the exclusion … Continue reading →

Posted in academic research, courts, freedom of expression, guest post, human rights, media law, public interest, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Open Justice Week is here

Posted on February 27, 2012 by jtownend

Open Justice Week, a Scottish initiative launched by James Doleman and Cristiana Theodoli, has kicked off. The liveliest conversations are in the Facebook group and on Twitter but you can also follow the blog here, which will be tracking people’s … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, courts, digital open justice, freedom of information, media law mop-up, media law resources, reporting restrictions, social media | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The marred privacy injunction

Posted on April 27, 2011 by jtownend

It was no legal secret that BBC presenter and former political correspondent Andrew Marr had secured an injunction in early 2008, preventing newspapers from reporting details about his private life. But this week was the first time the private information … Continue reading →

Posted in media law, privacy, reporting restrictions, super injunctions | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Consultation on 'live text based communications' from court

Posted on February 7, 2011 by jtownend

Via the Guardian comes news that the Lord Chief Justice has launched a consultation on live reporting from court, following interim guidance issued in December 2010. Submissions will be taken from February 7 to May 4 2011.  It’s good to … Continue reading →

Posted in courts, digital open justice, reporting restrictions, social media | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Digital courts: ‘You Be the Judge’ online feature cost £56k; plans for reporting restrictions database shelved

Posted on October 8, 2010 by jtownend

A Criminal Justice System website that presents video scenarios based on real court cases cost £56,403.60 (excl. VAT) to build, while plans for a central media database of reporting restrictions have been abandoned, Freedom of Information requests have shown. The … Continue reading →

Posted in courts, digital open justice, press freedom, reporting restrictions | Tagged , , | 8 Comments