Government “yet to decide” on courtroom cameras
The government has said it has yet to decide whether to allow the use of television cameras in courtrooms, following press reports that the technology could be utilised in British courts on a regular basis from next year.
A spokesman for the Department of Constitutional Affairs said consultation on televising courts was continuing and no final decision had been taken, Sky News reports.
The statement follows reports in the Sunday Times, citing a leaked government document, claiming the Lord Chancellor’s department perceived the use of cameras as a means to democratise the legal process.
Lord Falconer launched a review into the possible use of cameras back in November.
The newspaper claims the peer is thought to back the use of cameras in courtrooms through to appeals in the Royal Courts of Justice.
And broadcasters will be allowed to cover live some of the proceedings in high-profile criminal trials and civil disputes, it claims.
But Lord Falconer is cautious on aping the media frenzy seen in high profile US legal cases such as the OJ Simpson trial.
Checks and balances would also be observed to ensure witnesses’ identities remained secret, the newspaper says.
A pilot project in the Court of Appeal began in November in which 24 cases were filmed but not broadcast.
Cameras have been allowed in Scottish courts for several years.
