Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament to hold evidence session on social media and TV cameras in court
The Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament has announced that it is holding an evidence session on the role of the media in criminal trials ahead of its impending Parliamentary debate on the same subject.
Key areas the committee will be looking at include the suitability of the current contempt of court legislation in the face of advancements in social media; the use of live text-based communications from courts and the televising of court proceedings.
Although technically prohibited during court proceedings, the use of Twitter has occasionally been granted depending on the sitting judge and the Lord President.
Similarly, the use of TV cameras in court has been increasing granted under strict conditions depending on the case.
Donald Findlay QC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, has been asked to give evidence to the Committee, as well as Alistair Bonnington, former principal solicitor at BBC Scotland, Jonathan Russell, editor of the Herald and Steven Raeburn, editor of The Firm magazine.
The session will take place on Tuesday 2 September.