Lord chief justice approves use of Twitter for court reporting

[maddezmom]

Source: The Guardian

The lord chief justice today opened the way for the reporting of some court proceedings by journalists using Twitter, texting and email, but made clear it was unlikely to happen where such use of social media might influence witnesses.

Media organisations and journalists can apply for permission to use social media on a case-by-case basis, but Lord Judge said it may be necessary to bar its use by non-journalists to ensure the "proper adminstration of justice", prevent distractions in court and limit the potential for interference with courts' own recording equipment.

Judge issued interim guidance on the use of social media pending a public consultation involving the judiciary, prosecutors, lawyers, the media and "interested members of the public". The guidance applies only to courts in England and Wales.

It follows a district judge's decision to allow the tweeting of a bail hearing for Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks chief, earlier this month. Assange faces extradition to Sweden over allegations of rape, molestation and unlawful coercion.



Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/dec/20/twitter-court-lord-chief-justice