New Rules strengthen media access in criminal courts

The updated Rules clarify that the responsibility for notification lies with the applicant, ensuring that journalists are informed and able to challenge reporting restrictions order applications where appropriate.

This formal recognition of the media as interested parties aims to prevent unjustified limits on Crown and magistrates’ Court reporting and improve transparency across the justice system. The changes follow collaborative work between the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee and media organisations including the Media Lawyers Association and News Media Association, with support from HMCTS’ Media Working Group.

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The shared goal has been to ensure the Rules reflect the media’s vital role in holding the justice system to account.

Georgia Jerram, Chair of HMCTS’ Media Working Group, said:

As a society, we often rely on the media to be our eyes and ears in courtrooms. When journalists aren’t given clear and timely information about requests to the court for a reporting restriction, they are denied the opportunity to make a challenge. These changes will help ensure that open justice is not undermined in this way.

The requirement applies to discretionary reporting restrictions, such as those protecting vulnerable witnesses or ensuring fair trials and does not affect automatic restrictions (which are imposed by legislation and the court has no power to vary or remove) already in place for youth cases and certain offences. You can read the updated Criminal Procedure Rules or find out more about this work in a recent Inside HMCTS blog.