Open Justice Is Fair Says NZ First

New Zealand First supports the recommendation of the Law Commission that accredited news media representatives should be permitted to attend Family Court proceedings.

“We also support its recommendation that in cases involving children of domestic violence, the media reporting of proceedings should be permitted, but details, without identifying those involved in the proceedings, must not be published unless the leave of the court is obtained,” said courts spokesperson Dail Jones.

“Whether this actually goes far enough remains to be seen and this matter will have to be considered by the Justice and Electoral Select Committee when considering the Care of Children Bill.

“The publication of a defendant’s name in criminal cases is important because it is extremely helpful in obtaining evidence either in favour of or against the defendant.

“Open justice should mean what it says, and people who put themselves before the courts, which are essentially the courts of the people, should be prepared to be scrutinised by the people,” said Mr Jones.

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