As a review into allowing cameras access to Scottish courts continues, proceedings in England have taking a step closer to being televised.
Business in the Court of Appeal will be open to film crews by October and plans are in place to extend this to Crown courts in the future.
Under proposals by the Ministry of Justice to “bring a new openness” to the system in England and Wales, viewers will be able to watch lawyers’ arguments and judge’s rulings.
Cameras will be placed at the Royal Courts of Justice, where they will film criminal and civil appeals, with broadcasters being left to determine which cases are covered, subject to judicial checks.
Assurances have been given that footage will not be shown if it is not in the interests of justice and victims, witnesses and defendants will not be filmed.
The move has been described as an “important step” in opening up the court process.
A source said: “Allowing the public to watch justice in action will help build trust in our judicial system. Hearing why verdicts have been given and watching the sentencing process will add to public confidence in the courts.”
Proceedings in the Supreme Court can already be filmed, but this initiative will extend that.
In January the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, raised concerns about sentencing being shown on TV amid fears that members of the judiciary would be booed.
He told the Lords Constitution Committee that filming could encourage hecklers to yell abuse or cheer. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the proposals are still very much at a tentative stage.
A spokesperson from the Judiciary of Scotland confirmed that a review was still underway into allowing filming in Scottish courts, as well as other media involvement in the court process.
The Lord President, the Rt Hon Lord Gill tasked a team of judicial office holders to conduct a fundamental review into the current policy on TV cameras in court.
It is anticipated that the committee will consider applications submitted to date, experience of handling applications and the current Practice Note, which enables broadcasters to apply for permission.
The spokesperson also revealed that next week, Channel Four will broadcast footage from a murder trial, which was filmed before the review was announced.
The two-hour documentary will focus on the retrial of Nat Fraser, who was convicted in 2003 for the murder of his wife Arlene in 1998. Set to air on July 9, it is only the second time cameras have been allowed to film a murder trial.