New proposals revealed to publish decisions in children cases
The Times has reported that Bridget Prentice, the Justice Minister, is considering proposals to publish anonymised decisions in cases involving removal of children by local authorities, contact with an absent parent and removal of children from the UK. The move is seen as a compromise following the Government's volte face in proposals to free up the family courts to media access, which saw the dropping of proposals to allow the media into the magistrates' court.
It is reported that a pilot scheme will be run in three cities, yet to be decided, and that if successful this could be extended to publication on a central website. In all cases involving children, the judge will have to decide whether to provide a written judgment or decision summary.
The President, Sir Mark Potter, reportedly supports the move stating that,
"This is a welcome step so far as I am concerned and should do a great deal to reduce charges of secret justice by making clear to the public the reasoning of judges in cases of concern.
The broad view of the judiciary . . ." he added, "was that the media should be admitted to family proceedings, except adoption proceedings, provided the court retains a wide discretion to exclude the media in the interests of justice in appropriate circumstances for whole or part of the case."
More on the story can be found on The Times website via this link - http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article3163222.ece
14 January 2008