Family lawyer Darren W White says it’s wrong to let the media into family courts

FOR the past 12 weeks, the media have been able to attend family court procedures thanks to drastic changes in the law.

But was it the right decision?

Justice secretary Jack Straw claimed the new rules would make the family court system more open and transparent.Š

But the new rules still have their restrictions; the first being that only journalists who hold a valid UKŠPress CardŠare allowed access.

Additionally, the court can restrict attendance if the welfare of the child requires it, or for the safety/protection of parties or witnesses.

Judges are able to exclude journalists if any witness objects to their attendance, which is highly likely, and in any event, the media aren’t able to view any documents relied on in court.

My question is why should the family courts be open to media in the first place?ŠFamily matters are often very emotional and stressful – without the involvement of media coverage.

Criminal Courts have been open to the media for some time now.Š This has not reduced miscarriages of justice.Š It is, therefore, logical the court maintains a certain level of privacy.

We should be concentrating our efforts on providing additional resources to assist families so that matters do not need to be brought before the court in the first place.