can you stop court proceedings being reported in newspapers?

Question

I need to know this because I am in the middle of a crown court case which has been reported in the local press which has resulted in my elderly parents becoming ill and also giving my two children a lot of problems in school

Answer 1

Only the judge can order that the precedings be closed to the media. You may have some luck if you explain the situation and ask him to do so, or have your lawyer do it, as he would know the proper procedure. But, even if the judge does close the court, the trial will be a matter of public record once it is concluded, and notheing can stop the media from getting ahold of it then. My condolences, and good luck.

Answer 2

You're pretty much stuck with the proceedings being reported. If it's really bad, maybe you can get a gag order from the judge, but usually, you have to do that *before* the case starts. I'm sorry to hear that the media are spreading your business around, but it's the only way to make sure that legal proceedings are open and fair for everyone. If they were done behind closed doors and nobody knew what they were saying, then the courts could just do whatever garbage they wanted and nobody would have a clue, like the Inquisition or those Witch Trials. I know your reputation (and by association, your family's) is being damaged, but it's just a by-product of keeping things fair. Not that it's always fair, mind you. It's, well, fair-er. Good luck and stay strong, for you and your family.

Answer 3

Hi, as some of them said above, you would have to have a damned good reason. Usually only given if children are involved in cases or it being public knowledge would jeapardise the case. Being at a Crown Court indicates that it was either quite a serious offence that couldn't be dealt with at a Mag's court, or that either you or the Magistrates' asked for it to be held there.
Unfortunately we are all supposed to be 'Innocent until proven guilty' but it doesn't work that way.
If you are guilty and did whatever crime, this is the unfortunate consequences of your action.
If your innocent and proved to be then the 'media' has had a field day and nothing you can do will stop people talking about it, it is human nature. We all love to read about someone else!

Answer 4

No, the court is a public place and anyone can go to see/hear the cases. The newspapers can report on any case, but must do report the facts. Juries are NOT supposed to read the newspapers during the trial, so they can't be affected by any spin put on the case. In certain, very high profile cases, the judge may hear some of the evidence 'in camera', but this is rare.

Answer 5

Nope, court proceedings are a matter of public record. The judge could put a gag order on the proceedings if he felt it was jeopardizing the hearing but after the hearing is over it's all fair game. It's not fair but it's perfectly legal.

Answer 6

not in magistrates court, a crown court judge can make some sort of order on reporting restrictions need barrister to submit good reason to judge for this but not sure if it will be restricted all together. Your family will still love you, and the pricks causing any problems will soon turn their attentions to some one else.

Answer 7

No. Freedom of the press includes reporting on public proceedings.

Answer 8

Sorry, freedom of the press and ALL court proceedings are a matter of public record.

Answer 9

unfortunately you have been caught and being brought to justice, you have no right to anonymity. i know it's bad as i had a partner in the same situation, but you can't stop the press no matter how damning it is to you or your family, my heart goes out to your family though as justice forgets the innocence in this who in my experience pay more dearly than the offender, family and friends!! stop going there and it will stop happening to your family

Answer 10

A case can be closed to reporters but you can't stop them from writing about it.