Law society proposal to bar reporters from rape and sex abuse trials.

[D1nopawus]

‘Devastating’ proposal to bar reporters from rape and sex abuse trials

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/d1460060-58b2-11ee-9ad7-7384b2f230c5?shareToken=5236c7cdcff80c1c7b16d6dbbca92817

This seems to be when the victim gives evidence. Surely, surely this must be transparent.

Isn't the victim giving evidence the bit that traumatises victims and deters many people from reporting?

I'd be willing to listen to all considered thoughts on changing rape trials to make them work better for victims, the accused and wider society. The system we have now is not functioning.

Interesting.
As someone who is likely to be required to give evidence at trial, I don't want the media listening as I answer questions about the most difficult things I could talk about

Thank you for your replies. I can only imagine how distressing it must be to have to give evidence in such circumstances. for anyone affected.

Do you think victims should have a say in that case? Personally, I would be
worried that banning reporting would decrease transparency, and potentially lead to more miscarriages of justice.

I welcome it with open arms. Devastating for reporters who don't get their pound of flesh but a huge step forward in supporting victims during a hugely traumatic process.

When a horrific crime had been committed the last thing the victim needs is a reported producing a punchy headline. The jury make a decision based on the vast information presented to them in court. The public make a decision based on a few hundred or thousand words a reporter shares. The press is a business with the aim of making money and they have no shame in trying to grab a headline.

I was a witness in a horrific crime that happened in my work place. Within minutes of police being on site I had a reporter call me 4 times trying to get a story despite me telling him no. I said he cannot talk to the victim (her wishes) and I was not going to pass comment. After the 4th call I left the phone off the hook. We hadn't even given our statements to the police! Nothing had been verified by the appropriate authorities but they were ready to print regardless. They had no interest in upholding justice just £££

I think it's really dangerous when trials are carried out in private (eg the long campaign to allow family / childrens proceedings to be opened up) and would be worried this would be the thin end of the wedge