News outlets will be allowed to broadcast some sentencing remarks by judges in plans that have been announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
Under the new rules, judgements in the Court of Appeal and sentencing remarks in the Crown Court will be allowed to be broadcast by certain outlets that have been approved by the Department of Justice.
Exchanges between legal representatives and the court will also be allowed as part of the new plans.
“Allowing broadcasting in courts will increase transparency and allow the public to view decisions being made by the judiciary in Northern Ireland.
– Justice Minister Naomi Long
“This can only be a good thing, however, I am aware some respondents to the public consultation did express concerns about the impact of the proposals on victims and children.
“It’s important to stress the broadcasting of certain court proceedings will, in essence, simply provide another way for journalists to cover proceedings on which they can already report.
“Members of the public, including victims, witnesses and jurors, will not be filmed or recorded.
“Furthermore, the decision on whether a case can be recorded or broadcast will lie with the individual judge, and any reporting restrictions will continue to apply regardless of how proceedings are reported upon.
“This is not about turning our courts into livestream entertainment; it is about improving public confidence in our justice system and, as always, victims and witnesses will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
The Department of Justice says they will work closely with the Office of the Lady Chief Justice to develop the plans.
The legislation will be deferred until the next Assembly mandate “in view of the current legislative programme” and will be “subject to the agreement of an incoming Minister and new Executive.”
A summary of responses to the public consultation are available on the Department’s website.
