Court filming ‘being considered’

5 September 2011 Last updated at 17:28 ET

The top civil judge in the country has said filming should be allowed in courts such as the Old Bailey

The government is considering whether to allow some sentencing in English courts to be televised, it has emerged.

Broadcasting from courts in tightly controlled circumstances is being looked at by the government after renewed calls from broadcasters.

A government spokesman said it was considering proposals to allow limited recording and transmission from courts.

The spokesman added that the Lord Chancellor was consulting with senior judges on the proposals.

BBC News’ politics correspondent Iain Watson said sources at both Downing Street and the Ministry of Justice have confirmed the government was “seriously considering” the plans in the interests of greater transparency.

He said an announcement would be made in due course however sources had denied reports that the announcement would be made by the prime minister in a forthcoming speech on crime.

‘Boost’ public’s engagement

Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan said: “I believe that public understanding of and confidence in of our legal system would improve if judges’ verdicts were televised.

“However, it will be extremely important to ensure that careful controls are in place to protect jurors, victims and witnesses, particularly in complex and high-profile cases.”

In March, the top civil judge in England and Wales suggested televising hearings to increase confidence in justice.

Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger said broadcasting some cases could boost public engagement in the court process.

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