Family courts to be opened up to the media
01/04/2009
From April 2009 journalists will be able to attend hearings and report on matrimonial, care and private children law proceedings in all levels of the family courts.
The reasoning behind the move by the Ministry of Justice is to ?strike the right balance in providing a more open, transparent and accountable system while protecting children and families during a difficult and traumatic time in their lives,? according to Justice Secretary Jack Straw.
The moves have been criticised by some family court judges child protection organisations who feel it threatens the anonymity of the parties.
The Courts will however be able to restrict what can be reported in order to protect the welfare of children and families involved if necessary.
