Judges' Remarks In Crown Court To Be Filmed For The First Time

Monday, 21 March 2016 11:17

Proposals to launch a pilot that would see television cameras allowed into the Crown Court including Leeds Crown Court for the first time have been announced by the Ministry of Justice and the Lord Chief Justice.

The cameras would be able to film the sentencing remarks of nominated senior judges in 8 courts across England and Wales as part of a not-for-broadcast pilot.

Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said:

My hope is that this will lead to more openness and transparency as to what happens in our courts.

Broadcasting sentencing remarks would allow the public to see and hear the judge’s decision in their own words.

Lord Chief Justice the Right Honourable the Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd said:

I am interested to see how this pilot progresses and will work with the Ministry of Justice to assess the impact of cameras in court.

The pilot will take place in the Central Criminal Court and in the Crown Court at Southwark, Manchester (Crown Square), Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds and Cardiff.

Safeguards will be put in place to make sure victims continue to be supported and the administration of justice is not affected.

The cameras will film only the judge. The filming of all other court users, including staff; victims; witnesses, defendants and advocates will remain prohibited.

The government will work with broadcasters to support the pilot at no cost to the public.

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