Government Acknowledges ‘Vital Role’ Of Media In Reporting Courts’ Response To Public Disorder Offences

The government has acknowledged the vital role of the media in reporting the courts’ response to recent public disorder offences across the UK. In the attached open letter this evening to members of the HMCTS media working group, Minister for Courts and Legal Services Heidi Alexander MP said: “I want to acknowledge and thank you and your colleagues in the media for the vital role you have played in recent weeks in upholding the principles of open justice and transparency.

“It’s important – now more than ever – that justice is not only being done, but that the public sees and hears about justice being done; that crime leads to punishment and that the consequences of criminal activity will apply, in spite of any wider challenges we face across the justice system.

“I’m fully aware of the unfailing work that goes on behind the scenes of every news story, as court reporters follow cases through the system, attend and observe court hearings in person or online, request and verify details before independently and accurately reporting court business, in real time, often to very tight deadlines.”