Calls for media to be allowed in courtrooms
One of Australia’s most respected former High Court Justices has thrown his support behind the introduction of television cameras in courtrooms.
Today, the verdict in one of Queenland's most anticipated trials – the murder of schoolboy Daniel Morcombe – was relayed via phone from inside the building to 7News reporters outside.
Recording devices are not generally permitted inside Queensland court rooms, but the Seven Network was joined by other media organisations in applying to Justice Rosyln Atkinson for permission to broadcast today's verdict live, and the application was rejected.
“I'm for it, but I'm for it under some pretty strict rules so that media doesn't take over,” Justice Kirby said.
Live television broadcasts of high profile criminal trials are common in the US, England, South Africa and New Zealand.
“We could do it, and I think gradually we would get used to the fact the media could come in not only with a pen and paper, but can actually illustrate the trial by showing the television images to the public,” Justice Kirby said.
