Top UK Court OKs Tweets and Live-Texting Under Most Circumstances
Journalists, legal teams and the public are all permitted to use Twitter to send live tweets from the United Kingdom’s highest court, according to guidance provided today.
Because its proceedings don’t involve jurors or witnesses, says the U.K. Supreme Court in a press release (PDF) concerning “live text based communications,” there is ordinarily no reason why they would pose a problem, and they will routinely be allowed.
However, in some matters, such as child-welfare cases and any matter in which there is a court restriction on reporting, live-blogging will be banned and notice will be posted on the courtroom doors, reports the Daily Mail. Its article also provides a rundown on what has happened so far concerning live-texting in the lower courts.
“The rapid development of communications technology brings with it both opportunities and challenges for the justice system,” says the supreme court’s president in the press release. “An undoubted benefit is that regular updates can be shared with many people outside the court, in real time, which can enhance public interest in the progress of a case and keep those who are interested better informed.”
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Top UK Judge OKs Reporters’ Use of Twitter, Texts & E-Mail in Court”
