Updated Guide on Reporting Restrictions in the Criminal Courts Published

The fourth edition of the guide on open justice and reporting restrictions in the criminal courts, of which the News Media Association is a co-author, has been published.

The Guide on Reporting Restrictions in the Criminal Courts by the Judicial College, Media Lawyers Association, NMA and Society of Editors was first published in April 2015 and revised in May this year.  

The guidelines have been designed to provide a single useful reference for courts and media. A checklist sets out the points to consider before any restriction upon press access or reporting is made.

It summarises the automatic and discretionary reporting restrictions and where the law permits such exceptions to the open justice principle. Each section concludes with a bullet point summary of the key principles designed to help users.

The guide is referenced in the NMA’s legal resources online facility for members which gives members access to the NMA’s editorial and commercial briefings on issues ranging from court reporting to copyright.