Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

Family Courts are to be opened to the media

Thursday, 18 December 2008 12:31

Family court hearings are for the first time to be opened to accredited media, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced on the 16 December, in an oral statement in the House of Commons.

The change is one part of a package of new measures intended to improve scrutiny of and public confidence in the family court system.

Media will be able to attend all levels of family courts, removing the inconsistency of access between the higher and lower courts. The court will be able to restrict attendance if the welfare of the child requires it, or for the safety and protection of parties or witnesses.

Source: The Ministry of Justice - Read More