Court Reporting

I have been appointed Crime / Legal Affairs Reporter for WINOL 2012, this will be a challenging and rewarding role which I am eagerly awaiting to explore. In preparation for the crunch in September I have been brushing over my media law revision from the past year, refreshing myself on the likes of Defamation, Qualified Privilege, Privacy, Courts and Contempt.

One of the main sources for stories on Crime will be at Winchester Crown Court. All reports must be fast, accurate and fair, and consist of key pointers such as:
1. Identification - Name, DOB, Address, Sentencing - This is the facts.
2. Skeleton arguments - Outline the basis of the case - This is the background
3. Quotes - From the Judges, witnesses or defendants - This is the colour to the report.
4. Footage - GVs of outside, Lengthy report to camera, Mug shots - This is the visual identification.

The Public Gallery is where members of the public and journalists can position themselves to observe the trial and sentencing. Ensure when sat in the public gallery that you can see the defendant in the dock and hear and see witnesses. Detail such as reactions of victims family will also add imagery and aid the report.

In order to find out about upcoming court sentences, the 'Court Serve' website will allow you to plan in advance and know the time and date of a hearing. Its vital that you know the reporting restrictions.

The layout of a Crown Court is broken down into 8 categories:

1. Judge 

- imposes reporting restrictions
- ensure fair trial
- direct the jury

2. Clerk

- puts charges formally to defendants
- takes pleas
- can provide you with copies of charges and useful information for identification

3. Jury

- 12 randomly selected members of the public

4. Defence Team 

- defence barrister

5. Prosecution

- present the strongest case against defendant

6. Witnesses

- provide evidence and facts
- could be forensic experts

7. Dock

- defendant hears the case here

8. Public Gallery 

- press and public can hear the case here

Contempt - on arrest, criminal proceedings become active, the case can become active on arrest, when a warrant for arrest is issued, summons is issued or on oral charge. When a case is active you cannot publish material, otherwise you are guilty of contempt. 


Remember, all reports must be

FAST ACCURATE + FAIR

Information above has been sourced by The BBC College of Journalism.