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Seeing justice done


Emily Pennink, the Press Association’s Old Bailey correspondent, describes changes under discussion in the justice system and court reporting


T


he importance of open justice, the digital news revolution and the trials and tribulations


of reporting in the midst of a pandemic have been discussed with MPs. As part of Open justice: court


reporting in the digital age, I was invited to give evidence to the Justice Select Commitee as PA news agency’s Old Bailey Correspondent. I highlighted the shocking murder of Sarah Everard as an example of open justice at its best, and also why it was so important. It was vital the case was fast-tracked to provide much-needed answers and action to restore public faith in the Metropolitan Police. An unprecedented number of journalists filed into the Old Bailey or atended by video link to witness the emotionally-charged moment Sarah Everard’s family confronted her killer, PC Wayne Couzens, reducing some reporters to tears. MPs were told the rise of digital media had brought court reporting to a wider and more diverse audience, with stories told in words, pictures and video – oſten in real


time. While this has reinvigorated interest in the courts, it has made journalists vulnerable to online abuse – for example I received a Tweet suggesting I should be abducted and murdered during the Everard case. Social media has also increased the risk of contempt of court through an ill-judged Tweet or comment on an online story. To combat that, I suggested live cases could come with a warning to readers or that the comment functions simply be disabled. MPs were told that they were right to be concerned about court reporting on a local level because numbers of journalists have declined in recent years. With misinformation rife on social media and press releases focusing on sentencings alone, it was more important than ever that people got the full facts about what was going on in their communities from professional court reporters, I argued. I stressed the importance of legal


training to a professional standard would be necessary to preserve accredited journalists’ unique position. Troughout the pandemic, court reporters faced numerous problems –


from tracking cases to geting access to the courts. I suggested there should be debate on the possibility of allowing accredited reporters access to the court digital case system. Tis is a web-based platform that allows users to upload, view, annotate, present, and share case documents. Tere are specific permissions for each party, the judges, court administrator, and any other relevant groups. Journalists could submit useful documents to the platform, including reporting restrictions, case summaries, judgments and sentencing remarks. But the greatest threat to open justice is the delays due to the case backlog because of Covid. If technology could be used to tackle the issue, then I would support proposed reforms, but a robust system is needed to ensure cases dealt with out of court do not fall under the radar. Te inquiry finishes taking


evidence on 29 November 2021.


Take part in the NUJ’s submission to the Justice Commitee inquiry into the court system by emailing campaigns@nuj.org. uk by Wednesday 24 November. Inquiry questions: htps:// commitees.parliament.uk/call- for-evidence/586/


COURTS


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