Today, for the first time, cameras will broadcast the sentencing remarks from a Crown Court case.
It follows a long campaign by BBC, ITN and Sky to open up court proceedings:
“This is a landmark moment for open justice. This reform reflects the public’s right to see justice being done in their courts. It will promote better public understanding of the work of the courts and greater transparency in the justice system,” said John Battle, Head of Legal and Compliance at ITN, and Chairman of the Media Lawyers Association.
“Court reporting is vital to democracy and the rule of law and this long overdue change is welcomed.”
The change to The Crown Court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020 will mean viewers can see and hear judges explain the reasoning behind their sentences.
Only the judge will be filmed during any sentencing that is broadcast to protect the privacy of victims, witnesses and jurors.
“Opening up the courtroom to cameras to film the sentencing of some the country’s most serious offenders will improve transparency and reinforce confidence in the justice system,” added Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab.
“The public will now be able to see justice handed down, helping them understand better the complex decisions judges make.”
Up until today, proceedings were only broadcast from certain Court of Appeal cases. The contract has now been extended to the Crown Court. It means Sky, BBC, ITN and Press Association are able to apply to film and broadcast sentencing remarks, with the judge deciding whether to grant the request.
“Filming judges’ sentencing remarks in the Crown Court of England and Wales is a victory for the viewer. It will allow for greater transparency in our courts and is something that broadcasters, including Sky News, have campaigned for more than a decade to achieve,” said John Ryley, Head of Sky News.
“Our users and viewers will now be able to see and understand the criminal process and the complexities and constraints under which judges work.”
Joe Pickover, Head of Video at PA Media added:
“This is a crucial milestone, giving us access to film judges’ sentencing remarks in Crown Courts for the first time.
“Audiences across the UK will gain a much better understanding of the criminal process by witnessing the judicial system first hand and PA is delighted to be playing its part in this vital development.”
The sentencing remarks of all cases which are filmed will be hosted by Sky News on a dedicated Youtube channel. It will be subject to reporting restrictions and there will be a 10 second delay on live feeds, to avoid any breach of restrictions, or errors.
