Crown Court to allow broadcast to the public – Open Justice?

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced that from 28 July 2022, broadcast news channels will air Judges’ sentencing remarks from the Crown Court. Only the Judge will be filmed, to protect the privacy of victims, witnesses and jurors, but the MoJ has stated that the broadcast will allow the public to see and hear Judges explain the reasoning behind their sentences, giving a better understanding of how these decisions are reached. The first case broadcast was the sentencing of Ben Oliver at the Old Bailey, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his grandfather in south London.

The change in law follows a successful pilot that allowed 'not-for-broadcast sentencing remarks' to be filmed by national broadcasters in eight Crown Court sites.

Prior to the change, only certain Court of Appeal cases could be broadcast, but now Sky, BBC, ITN and Press Association will be able to apply to film and broadcast sentencing remarks in the Crown Court, with the Judge deciding whether to grant the request.

This is a welcomed move, as it allows members of the public to see justice in action but also to understands the importance that barristers and solicitors play in the justice system. Lets hope this is the start of a more open system of justice.