- Family Courts to be opened to the press from April 27th 2009
- By Family Law Week In Huse Reporter.
- Family Law week
- 10/04/2009 Make a Comment (3)
- Contributed by: Daveyone ( 29 articles in 2009 )
Jack Straw
Jack Straw announces long-awaited regulations opening up family courts to media access
Jack Straw, The Secretary of State for Justice, has announced that the long-awaited regulations concerning the opening up of the family courts to the press will come into effect on 27 April.
Under the rules, media representatives who hold a UK Press Card will be able to attend all levels of court, including matters heard "in private" subject to the court’s ability to restrict access as follows:
At any stage of the proceedings the court may direct that persons within paragraph (3)(f) shall not attend the proceedings or any part of them, where satisfied that—
(a) this is necessary—
(i) in the interests of any child concerned in, or connected with, the proceedings;
(ii) for the safety or protection of a party, a witness in the proceedings, or a person connected with such a party or witness; or
(iii) for the orderly conduct of the proceedings; or
(b) justice will otherwise be impeded or prejudiced.
UK Press Cards are available on application to any one working "professionally as a media worker who needs to identify himself or herself in public." The scheme was introduced by the Metropolitan Police in 1992 and is recognised by police force and other public bodies.
Announcing the changes, the Minister reiterated his views in why the reform was necessary
"Public confidence in the justice system is a necessary and vital part of a democratic society. I want to ensure that reforms to the family courts system increase their accountability to the public"
The changes are introduced by the following statutory instruments:
1.Family Proceedings Courts (Miscellaneous Amendments) Rules 2009
2.Family Proceedings (Amendment) (No.2) Rules 2009
Comments: 1
Well at least Jack Straw has done ONE thing as justice minister which is one more the his predessesor Lord Falconer ever did !! I believe we owe more to Camilla Cavendish of the Times and John Hemming MP fortheir work in this matter then even the Law Lords who should be reviewing this abomination of so called justice.
Lets hope that true benefits will be made by this or as I suspect will the Judges be on their best behavoiur as a scholl head is when OFSTED come to call or when they gave Haringay a clean bill of health the week Baby'P' died or even the inspectors at Stafford Hospital.
Excuse the cinicism but been there read the book worn the tee shirt and swollowed the retarick so only time will tell on this one
"In the best interest of the children!" will this mantra ever be adhered to by theses "Fee earners?"
Daveyone 08/04/2009 15:08:18
Jack Straw, The Secretary of State for Justice, has announced that the long-awaited regulations concerning the opening up of the family courts to the press will come into effect on 27 April.
Under the rules, media representatives who hold a UK Press Card will be able to attend all levels of court, including matters heard "in private" subject to the court’s ability to restrict access as follows:
At any stage of the proceedings the court may direct that persons within paragraph (3)(f) shall not attend the proceedings or any part of them, where satisfied that—
(a) this is necessary—
(i) in the interests of any child concerned in, or connected with, the proceedings;
(ii) for the safety or protection of a party, a witness in the proceedings, or a person connected with such a party or witness; or
(iii) for the orderly conduct of the proceedings; or
(b) justice will otherwise be impeded or prejudiced.
UK Press Cards are available on application to any one working "professionally as a media worker who needs to identify himself or herself in public." The scheme was introduced by the Metropolitan Police in 1992 and is recognised by police force and other public bodies.
Announcing the changes, the Minister reiterated his views in why the reform was necessary
"Public confidence in the justice system is a necessary and vital part of a democratic society. I want to ensure that reforms to the family courts system increase their accountability to the public"
The changes are introduced by the following statutory instruments:
1.Family Proceedings Courts (Miscellaneous Amendments) Rules 2009
2.Family Proceedings (Amendment) (No.2) Rules 2009
Comments: 1
Well at least Jack Straw has done ONE thing as justice minister which is one more the his predessesor Lord Falconer ever did !! I believe we owe more to Camilla Cavendish of the Times and John Hemming MP fortheir work in this matter then even the Law Lords who should be reviewing this abomination of so called justice.
Lets hope that true benefits will be made by this or as I suspect will the Judges be on their best behavoiur as a scholl head is when OFSTED come to call or when they gave Haringay a clean bill of health the week Baby'P' died or even the inspectors at Stafford Hospital.
Excuse the cinicism but been there read the book worn the tee shirt and swollowed the retarick so only time will tell on this one
"In the best interest of the children!" will this mantra ever be adhered to by theses "Fee earners?"
Daveyone 08/04/2009 15:08:18
Source: https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed34385
Commonsense indeed Pres Torn not in abundence here but!!
On the take financially perhaps by unknown players higher up the power/financial food chain?
It's not hard to appear to advocate for human rights, as apparently Jack does, however as minister for justice and a politician, it's very hard to trust that such laws are for the betterment of families and the public at large, altho on the face of it many people might think so.
Trickery and deception is what politicians do best... Just remember how they got the terrorist laws first introduced.
As Pt in a round about way inferred above, politicians give you something, yet they take away something more valuable.
Yet again people, be warned, be careful and most of all be aware!!
why did it require legislation to allow reporters into family court hearings?
were previous courts closed to the public?
or, is there legislation banning reporters?
here in Australia a reporter can walk into nearly any courtroom and sit out the case without providing identification (as can any other citizen).
as for reporting here in australia ...
the media can report any case at any time with one proviso ...
dont identify the persons involved (basic commonsense).
i am sure i am not the only person who does not understand these matters, so comments are difficult until we are aware of the previous conditions.
pt
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