Ban on filming in court to be relaxed

A Crime and Courts bill has been announced in the Queen's speech that will partially lift the ban on filming in court.  Broadcasting will be introduced initially at the Court of Appeal, where filming will be permitted of opening and closing legal arguments and the judgments handed down.  The Government has said that it will also consider allowing filming at the Crown Court, but of judges sentencing remarks only.  The Ministry of Justice said recently that justice must be done and "be seen to be done", and said the government and judiciary was determined to improve transparency and public understanding of courts.  Proceedings in the supreme Court are already broadcast online.