Twitter Approved for Court Reporting

WikiLeaks is one of the buzzing topics on the web and Australian journalist Julian Paul Assange is a web-celebrity and an idol for many. Citizen reporting is quite open and fast these days, all thanks to social media. It is seen to be so effective that Lord Judge has approved journalists to use email, text and even Twitter to report court proceedings reported the Guardian. As part of an Interim Guidance (PDF) issued, it applicable only to courts in England and Wales, this guidance indeed is a bold step and awaits public consultation. 

Earlier this week, District Judge Howard Riddle allowed the use of social network Twitter for reporting the bail hearing of WikiLeaks chief, Julian Assange. 

Igor Judge, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales had written in the Interim Practice Guidance that the messages sent should be discreet and shouldn't interfere with court proceedings. In legal terms, the use of unobtrusive, hand held, virtually silent piece of modern equipment is generally unlikely to interfere with court's processes.

Lord Judge's Interim Guidance further notes:

There is no statutory prohibition on the use of live text-based communications in open court. But before such use is permitted, the court must be satisfied that its use does not pose a danger of interference to the proper administration of justice in the individual case.

Of course, journalists are required to seek the Judge's permission for tweeting, texting or emailing from the court. The aim of this guidance is to enable journalists in providing fair and accurate reports of court proceedings using live text-based communication mediums.

This certainly sounds like a step towards liberalization. But it will take ages for countries like India to allow something similar. While most courts are strict and command turning off the phone, many still don't bother doing it.