View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Archive content
December 2, 2004updated 22 Nov 2022 12:30pm

Warning over increase in court restrictions

By Press Gazette

The media may have won some notable victories in the Lords and High Court for open justice, but the judgments do not always “filter down” to the lower courts, according to ITN head of compliance, John Battle.

He claimed courts are now imposing more restrictions on the media than at any time in the past 15 years.

Battle said: “Almost always now where there is high-profile trial in the Crown Court there are restrictions that limit reporting. The problem arises because rarely are the media asked to make representations to the Crown Court before an order is made.

“Often the media have to play ‘catchup’, fighting against an order that has already been made and argue why it should be lifted, as opposed to why should the order have been made in the first place.”

Battle said new legislation to be wary of included changes to the Criminal Justice Act, which came into force in October. These give new powers to stop the media naming witnesses in criminal proceedings if it is thought publicity would make them reluctant to give evidence.

Dominic Ponsford and Jon Slattery report from the 2004 Law for Journalists conference

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network