Where does Sub judice start?

[GOATever]

There’s a high profile case on trial near me at present. One of the local rags is giving a blow by blow, running account of proceedings. I’m all for fair trials, this seems to be running a fine line between journalistic freedom, and taking the piss. Where is the line drawn, officially?

[Lindun]

Relaying what’s happening as it’s happening isn’t an issue unless there are reporting restrictions in place. Publishing their thoughts on the outcome in advance would cause problems.

[FredClogs]

That's my understanding. Sub Judice isn't really a thing in UK law since the 1981 contempt of court legislation which prohibits the discussion of the juries arguments. What's said in open court is already in the public domain.

[ElectricPics]

GOATever said:

There’s a high profile case on trial near me at present. One of the local rags is giving a blow by blow, running account of proceedings. I’m all for fair trials, this seems to be running a fine line between journalistic freedom, and taking the piss. Where is the line drawn, officially?

They're reporting on what's happened in court and that's fundamental to open justice. They can't report on anything that hasn't already been said or presented in evidence in open court.

[anonymous-user]

Sounds like they're doing exactly what they are allowed to do.


More info here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/contempt-cou...