The Minister said the move was about improving confidence in the Justice system and not turning it into “livestream entertainment”
News outlets will be able to broadcast judges’ sentencing remarks in Northern Ireland under new plans announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
The Department of Justice has published the findings of a public consultation on proposals to permit the recording and broadcasting of certain court proceedings. The Department will now begin work to introduce the legislation needed to make the move possible, in partnership with the Office of the Lady Chief Justice.
Mrs Long said allowing limited broadcasting in courts would improve public understanding of the justice system.
“Allowing broadcasting in courts will increase transparency and allow the public to view decisions being made by the judiciary in Northern Ireland,” she said.
“This can only be a good thing, however, I am aware some respondents to the public consultation did express concerns about the impact of the proposals on victims and children.
“It’s important to stress the broadcasting of certain court proceedings will, in essence, simply provide another way for journalists to cover proceedings on which they can already report.
“Members of the public, including victims, witnesses and jurors, will not be filmed or recorded.
“Furthermore, the decision on whether a case can be recorded or broadcast will lie with the individual judge, and any reporting restrictions will continue to apply regardless of how proceedings are reported upon.
“This is not about turning our courts into livestream entertainment; it is about improving public confidence in our justice system and, as always, victims and witnesses will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Under the plans, footage could include the handing down of judgments in the Court of Appeal, including submissions and exchanges between lawyers and the court, as well as sentencing remarks made in the Crown Court.
Only broadcasters authorised in writing by the Department of Justice will be permitted to record proceedings.
While the consultation found broad support for the proposals, the Department said the necessary legislation will be deferred until the next Assembly mandate, subject to agreement from an incoming Minister and Executive.
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