Law Articles

Media access to family law court 01/04/2009

New rules regarding press access to family law courts came into force on 27th April 2009 following a series of government consultations.

Accredited journalists will in future be entitled to attend some hearings, like direction and adjudication hearings but will not have access to conciliation or negotiation hearings.

The new rules are designed to increase the public's awareness of how the justice system works and to attempt to restore the public's faith in the system.

Restrictions on what the press can report will remain, such as the specifics of a case that would be regarded as contempt of court, issues relating to children, and the safety of individuals. The court may also decide to sit in private where it is likely that a witness will give less than full and frank evidence (or refuse to give evidence at all) in the event that the press are present.

For further information and advice on this issue, and other family law issues, please contact us for a free initial consultation on 01992 306 616 or 0207 956 2740 or email us.