Transparency in Court Proceedings 2026-03-17
2026-03-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the government's efforts to increase transparency in courts, following concerns about the lack of empirical research on real jury decisions and privacy barriers.
What steps he is taking to improve transparency in court proceedings. Conducting empirical research into how real juries make decisions remains illegal in England and Wales; researchers have had to rely on mock juries showing links between juror attitudes and verdicts, particularly in rape trials. Does my hon. and learned Friend agree we must break down barriers to jury research for appropriate reforms?
There are good reasons for protecting jury deliberations, ensuring they happen in private. The Government in Scotland have legislated for a tightly controlled exception for jury research; my officials work with the Scotland Office to learn from this vital work.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about breaking down barriers to empirical jury research was not directly addressed, focusing instead on existing protections and Scottish legislation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns over the Courts and Tribunals Bill's impact on jury research, highlighting the importance of understanding real jury decision-making processes.
The Courts and Tribunals Bill aims to increase transparency but conducting empirical research into jury decisions remains illegal. Researchers rely on mock juries showing links between juror attitudes and verdicts in rape trials. Does my hon. and learned Friend agree we must break down barriers to jury research?
The Government recognise protections for jury deliberations, ensuring they happen in private. The Scottish Government have recently legislated for controlled exceptions for jury research; my officials work with the Scotland Office to learn from their approach.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about breaking down barriers was not directly addressed, focusing on existing protections and Scottish legislation.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about the deletion of a large court records archive by Courtsdesk and uncertainty over future intentions regarding this archive.
In February, the Government ordered Courtsdesk to delete its largest archive of court records—an essential transparency tool. They later reversed this decision but have not clarified their plans for the archive or future operations. Could the Minister confirm that Courtsdesk will not be compelled to delete its archive and whether it can continue operating services?
Court operations were suspended due to sensitive data handling breaches. We recognise the importance of transparency and have met with Courtsdesk; new licensing arrangements will make court listings available for journalists, and plans are being brought forward.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about future intentions regarding the archive was not directly addressed, focusing instead on past issues and future licensing plans.
Response accuracy