Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Fifth Report - Open justice: court reporting in the digital age
Justice Committee
HC 339
Published 1 November 2022
Government response
Seventh Special Report - Open justice: court reporting in the digital age: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2022–23 · published 16 Jan 2023
Recommendations & Conclusions
14
Conclusion
Deferred
Lack of coherence and consistency in remote hearing access for public and media.
Conclusion
Remote hearings are still a relatively new and innovative feature of the justice system in England and Wales. The evidence to our inquiry suggests that there is a problem with a lack of coherence and consistency in relation to the …
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Government Response Summary
The MoJ will undertake a qualitative review, work with HMCTS’ Media Working Group, and include remote observation in a call for evidence in 2023 to understand its impact and gather feedback, before considering further action.
Ministry of Justice
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19
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 64
Committee awaits update on Civil Procedure Rule Committee's work to improve document access.
Conclusion
The Committee would welcome an update on the work being undertaken by the Civil Procedure Rule Committee to improve access to documents in civil proceedings.
Government Response Summary
The government redirected to its response to JSC3 (paragraphs 29 to 31) for an update on the Civil Procedure Rule Committee's work to improve access to documents.
Ministry of Justice
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21
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 73
Comprehensive review of access to open court documents and potential legislation required.
Conclusion
The Government and HMCTS should conduct, or ask the Law Commission to conduct, a comprehensive review on access to documents referred to in open court and propose legislation if necessary to clarify the position.
Government Response Summary
The government stated it plans to consult on access to documents referred to in open court via a call for evidence and will consider feedback before making any future decisions, rather than committing to a comprehensive review or proposing legislation.
Ministry of Justice
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34
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 118
Broadcasting Crown Court sentencing remarks positively enhances open justice and public understanding.
Conclusion
We welcome the broadcasting of Crown Court sentencing remarks. It is a positive step for both open justice and the public understanding of sentencing.
Government Response Summary
The government states it will carefully monitor the impact of the broadcasting changes introduced in summer 2022, and may use a call for evidence to gather views on expanding the current broadcasting regime before deciding on further interventions.
Ministry of Justice
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