Judge vows to open up family courts to the public
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of the country’s most senior judges has vowed to “open to the world” the workings of the family courts and the shadowy Court of Protection.
Sir James Munby – president of the Court of Protection – said “transparency” and “publicity” were key to boosting confidence in the courts.
The Court of Protection, which deals with the property, financial affairs and personal welfare of people who lack mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, is closed to the media.
And family courts, which deal with divorce cases and adoption among other personal issues, are open for journalists to attend but they can be prevented from reporting details and parents involved in cases are often prevented by law from speaking publicly.
Sir James said: "It is vital that public confidence in the family justice system is maintained or, if eroded, restored. There is a clear and obvious public interest in maintaining the confidence of the public at large in the courts.
"It is vitally important, if the administration of justice is to be promoted and public confidence in the courts maintained, that justice be administered in public - or at least in a manner which enables its workings to be properly scrutinised - so that the judges and other participants in the process remain visible and amenable to comment and criticism."
He added: "We must be open to the world - much more open that at present - in what we do both in the family courts and in the Court of Protection."
Sir James said changes to primary legislation are unlikely in the near future, so the necessary changes must be achieved within the existing framework.
After introducing final guidelines on the publication of judgements, the judge said he would then consider steps to allow the media access to at least some of the documents used in court.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments