Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Contempt of Court: Media Reporting

Thursday 9 July 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial office prepared and promoted online materials to inform the public about avoiding prejudicial media reporting.
  • Materials include slides and web pages aimed at educating the public.
  • Emphasis is placed on preventing the inadvertent publication of prejudicial material online.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con Lichfield
Crime & Law Enforcement Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The issue concerns how to prevent media and social media from reporting content that could lead to contempt of court. The context involves the Attorney General's role in issuing advisory notices and educating the public.

Question

What steps she is taking to prevent conventional and social media reporting which may lead to contempt of court; and if she will make a statement.

Answer from Michael Ellis (The Solicitor General)

My office has prepared and promoted materials available online to inform the general public, including slides and web pages. Emphasizing education is important to ensure members of the public do not inadvertently publish prejudicial material online as it can have serious consequences.

Answered
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