Personal Injury Solicitors

Justice Minister Shailesh Vara has announced that eight courts in England and Wales will take part in a not-for-broadcast pilot project, in which judges’ sentencing remarks will be filmed.

The pilot will take place in the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey) and in the Crown Court at Southwark, Manchester (Crown Square), Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds and Cardiff.

The pilot will run for three months to enable the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to consider the pilot and ensure that justice is not affected by the presence of cameras in courtrooms.

Safeguards will be put in place to make sure victims continue to be supported and the administration of justice is not affected.

Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said:

“My hope is that this will lead to more openness and transparency as to what happens in our courts.

“Broadcasting sentencing remarks would allow the public to see and hear the judge’s decision in their own words.”

Lord Chief Justice the Right Honourable the Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd added:

“I am interested to see how this pilot progresses – and will work with the Ministry of Justice to assess the impact of cameras in court.”

The cameras will film only the judge and the filming of all other court users –
including staff, victims, witnesses, defendants and advocates – will remain prohibited.

The government will work with broadcasters to support the pilot at no cost to the public.

Timescales for when the exercise can proceed will depend on the passage of the legislation through Parliament. The tests will begin as soon as possible once the legislation is passed.

There is already footage broadcast from the Court of Appeal. The existing broadcasters operating in the Court of Appeal (BBC, SKY, ITN and Press Association) have agreed to support the pilot period at no cost to the public purse. The Ministry of Justice says this arrangement will be managed under the existing commercial arrangements in place for the Court of Appeal.

Crown Courts are already open to the press and public – but under Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 and the Contempt of Court Act 1981, filming and recording is prohibited.

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