HEARINGS: proposals lead to calls for protection of anonymity

The media could be admitted to all family hearings by as early as the end of the year, under government proposals to make the process more open and accountable, but solicitors have warned that the measures could turn hearings into a 'spectator sport'.


Constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman this week outlined plans that would see members of the press admitted as of right into all family proceedings, subject to reporting restrictions imposed at the discretion of the court.


The minister said members of the public, unconnected with the proceedings, may also apply to be admitted at the judge's discretion.


The government proposed making information available to the children involved in proceedings when they become adults and the creation of a criminal offence for breaches of reporting restrictions.


The majority of the 400,000 cases heard each year are in private, which, Ms Harman said, has led to a lack of public confidence and made it impossible to refute accusations of injustice. She said: 'Public confidence depends on public scrutiny.'


Andrew Greensmith, chairman of family lawyers' group Resolution, said the public is entitled to know how decisions are made. But he added that safeguards to protect anonymity would need to be monitored carefully and that greater openness must not be at the expense of a child's right to privacy.


Mr Greensmith said: 'We are concerned that children hearings do not become a spectator sport for nosey neighbours or others.'


Christina Blacklaws, chairman of the Law Society's family law committee, agreed: 'The key is to allow scrutiny without exposing children and vulnerable adults to abuse or denying them their privacy.'


The consultation ends in October.


Catherine Baksi