Court Reporting

The media reports on court proceedings. Journalist have a responsibility to society and to show the public that justice is being done. Also, the issues that happen within court have news values, such as controversy and drama, and the public is interested to know what is going on. Reporting on court proceedings fulfills a function of social control because when someone reports on a deviant behavior it sends a message to the rest of the people in the community that the particular behavior is unacceptable.

The court system is full of conflict. It is a human nature to take interest in the fortunes and misfortunes of others because then we are not focused on our own misfortunes. Court reporting boost circulations and ratings because readers are interested and curious about what is going on in court, especially at a local level. Journalists struggle with balancing their duty to present a fair and accurate report on the court proceedings and to still maintain a public interest in the matter.

Although journalist have access to report on court proceedings, there are restrictions journalist have to follow in order not to be charged with anything. Journalist should only report on what they see or hear. Journalist should never report on a court case that they have not been to because they may not know if there are any suppression orders and could be held with contempt because they were not aware of the restrictions the judge had put on the case. Traditionally, tape recorders and cameras are not allowed in the court room, but some judges will allow journalist to take notes and even record with special permission before the trial starts.

In order for one to be a successful journalist, one needs to be objective when reporting on court proceedings. Court reporting requires the reporter's bias do not taint the story. The report should be fair and accurate and a journalist should only state the facts and avoid descriptors because those things could have a journalist charged with contempt. When a journalist only reports on the facts, it allows the readers to form their own opinions and conclusions on the case.

In order for a journalist to report on court proceedings, one needs to have a general knowledge of the court system and its processes, not only in your jurisdiction but others as well when you report in that territory. Journalist need to be aware of the issues they cannot report on. All Australian jurisdictions prohibit the identification of a complainant in sexual offense cases in order to protect the victim and to encourage future victims to come forward and report. The identification of children charged with criminal offenses is banned in Australian jurisdictions. Journalist also cannot identify any parties involved in adoptions and issues in family court. Finally, any identification of jurors and discussing any part of the trial with jurors can cause the trial to be dismissed.