Exchange Chambers

Move to introduce cameras in court given cautious welcome

Moves to allow television cameras in court are inevitable, according to Oliver Jarvis, a criminal barrister at Exchange Chambers.

A campaign is now underway by broadcasters to allow them to film some parts of proceedings, such as judges delivering their rulings in civil and criminal cases.

At present, the only images from courtroom proceedings which are permitted are sketches drawn by artists.

Oliver Jarvis says he supports the principle of allowing cameras in court – but warns that safeguards needed to be put in place to prevent proceedings becoming a media circus.

He said: “You can be sure as night follows day that the criminal courts of England and Wales will soon be televised – and rightly so.

“It is a central feature of any democracy that trials should be heard in public. In the 21st century, that means – on television. Second-hand reports from journalists of what happened in court can no longer satisfy a news-hungry society.

“The more important question, particularly for lawyers, is not when – but how do we maintain a fair and well-oiled legal system that is the envy of the world? Lessons will need to be learnt from other jurisdictions to prevent the inevitable media circus hijacking proceedings.”

He added: “There is a real danger that the jury would become secondary to the court of public opinion. This would inevitably increase the cost of our legal system. One has to ask whether a relatively straight forward murder trial, such as that of OJ Simpson, would have lasted more than a few weeks as opposed to a year, had it not been televised.

“Those within the legal system will have to be careful to remain focused on expedition and the presentation of succinct arguments rather than spray tans and teeth whitening.”

To begin with, Sky News and ITN are proposing limited access to courts by broadcasters.

But any such change – if it were to go through – would require an amendment or a change to the law as it presently stands, which expressly forbids any kind of recording or transmission of courtroom proceedings.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We are considering proposals put forward by broadcasters to allow limited recording and transmission from courts in specific circumstances. Before any firm proposals are developed, the Lord Chancellor will wish to consult on the principle of broadcasting from court with the senior judiciary.”