NCJ Number
14715
Journal
Criminologist Volume: 7 Issue: 24 Dated: (SPRING 1972) Pages: 50-57
Date Published
1972
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE DIMINISHING ROLE OF THE PRESS AS A GUARDIAN AGAINST JUDICIAL UNFAIRNESS IS DISCUSSED, WITH CRITICISM OF A 1967 BRITISH LAW WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THIS DECREASE.
Abstract
THE FORMER ROLE OF THE PRESS AS A WATCHDOG OF THE COURT IS OUTLINED, PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THE BRITISH MAGISTRATE SYSTEM WHICH EMPLOYS VOLUNTARY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. THE AUTHOR ARGUES AGAINST THE BRITISH CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT OF 1967 WHICH LIMITS THE PUBLIC REPORTING OF SOME CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. HE STATES THAT A ROYAL COMMISSION SHOULD BE FORMED TO INVESTIGATE THE WORK AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE MAGISTRATE COURTS, AND THAT THE QUESTION OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE COURTS AND THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE RAISED. THE ROLE THE PRESS CAN PLAY IN ASSURING FAIR PROCEEDINGS IS PRESENTED, AND A SUGGESTION FOR CONTINUATION OF THIS ROLE IS MADE.