Can newspapers report whatever is revealed in a court or inquest, even if it is upsetting?
The PCC recognises that media attention during a court case or inquest can be distressing to the families and friends of those directly involved. Generally speaking, the principle of open justice is such that newspapers and magazines are entitled to report on what is revealed in court, provided that the court has not imposed any reporting restrictions (which will be made clear at the start of a case). However, there are a number of provisions in the Code which are relevant to reporting in this area, and which editors and journalists must adhere to: • Clause 5 (Intrusion into grief or shock) of the Code states that publication must be handled sensitively at times of grief and shock. It also makes clear that this ‘should not restrict the right to report legal proceedings, such as inquests’. So, while the Code entitles editors to report any inquest, it also requires that sensitivity at the same time be shown to those in grief. This may mean not making light of the circumstances of the dea
