North considers broadcasting courts
Sentencing remarks by Crown Court judges could be broadcast to the public under proposals being considered by the North’s justice ministry.
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a public consultation on the broadcasting of certain court proceedings in the North.
is seeking views on proposals to allow 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.
The minister says that she is seeking responses 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.
She says that broadcasting some proceedings would be a positive step in improving the public’s right to see justice being done.
Long added, however, that she was conscious of concerns about the potential impact on victims.
“As always, any change will be victim-focused; in bringing forward these proposals, I wish to make it clear that we are not proposing to allow the recording or filming of victims, witnesses or jurors,” she stated.
“We are also not suggesting that members of the public or court staff would be filmed,” Long added.
The consultation is open until 16 July (5pm).