Hello and welcome to another addition of law and journalists.
There are restrictions for journalists when reporting cases of children involved in criminal or civil proceedings.
So short points to remember:-
For example, section 47 of the Children's and Young Persons Act 1933 says that reports of proceedings that took place in a youth court must not contain anything like a name or address, in the report that can identify the child. No photos are allowed either. Pretty simple issue of confidentiality for under 18's , really. These principles can also be applied to adoption cases.
However this anonymity can be lifted in the public interest if one needs to find a juvenile guilty of a serious offence or to avoid injustice to the defendant or witness. This does not often happen in the news so when it does make sure you milk it and get your name out there!
Anonymity is not guaranteed for juveniles in adult proceedings. Also,after a child turns 18, he /she is not guaranteed any immunity.
Anonymity is also granted if youth are the subject of care proceedings but surprisingly there is no automatic anonymity imposed in ASBO proceedings. I guess the saying goes that what you dish out you get back. There is nothing really like a fair trial...
Next week: reporting on sexual assaults.
Fabuluso XX
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