Summary
The Department of Justice has launched a consultation, seeking views on proposals to permit the recording and broadcasting of some court proceedings, including judgments and legal exchanges in the Court of Appeal and sentencing remarks in Crown Court cases.
Documents
- Broadcasting of courts consultation document
- Broadcasting of courts equality impact assessment form
- Broadcasting of courts questionnaire
- Broadcasting of courts rural needs impact assessment form
Consultation description
Northern Ireland is currently the only jurisdiction in the UK that does not allow any recording or broadcasting of courts and tribunals. The other jurisdictions have allowed this to some extent in order to promote the principle of open justice.
Therefore, having considered the development of recording and broadcasting of courts in other UK jurisdictions and the success of the Lady Chief Justice’s not-for-broadcast pilot, Justice Minister Naomi Long has concluded that there could be merit in providing for the recording and broadcasting of particular aspects of court proceedings, with certain safeguards put in place, in order to deliver greater transparency of our courts.
We would welcome views from anyone who uses the courts, people working within the justice system, the media, community and voluntary sector organisations, and anyone else with an interest in promoting open justice.
Responses to the consultation can be submitted using the questionnaire provided on the Department’s website or via Citizen Space on the NI Direct website.