The Department of Justice is considering proposals that could lead to the broadcasting of sentencing remarks by Crown Court judges and other court proceedings in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a public consultation to gather views on permitting the recording and broadcasting of specific elements of court cases.

The consultation specifically seeks opinions on allowing the recording and broadcasting of judgments and legal exchanges in the Court of Appeal, as well as sentencing remarks delivered in Crown Court cases.

Minister Long has invited responses from a wide range of individuals and organisations, including those who use the courts, justice system professionals, media representatives, community and voluntary sector bodies, and anyone interested in promoting open justice.

"I welcome this consultation as I believe that broadcasting of certain court proceedings would be a positive step in improving the public’s right to see justice being done," Minister Long stated.

However, she acknowledged potential concerns, particularly regarding the trauma of victims. "I am conscious, however, that there may be concerns around broadcasting of court proceedings, not least the potential for exacerbating the trauma of victims," the Minister said.

She stressed that any changes would be victim-focused, clarifying: "in bringing forward these proposals, I wish to make it clear that we are not proposing to allow the recording or filming of victims, witnesses or jurors. We are also not suggesting that members of the public or court staff would be filmed." Minister Long believes the proposals strike a balance: "I believe the proposals in the consultation support the principle of open justice while ensuring the rights of victims and witnesses are fully respected."

Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan, has also endorsed the consultation. She said: "The Department’s consultation helpfully builds on the pilot I initiated to test the feasibility of filming the delivery of judgments in the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal, which demonstrated that the broadcasting of certain proceedings could work well in practice while maintaining the solemnity of the court."

The consultation paper outlines the types of proceedings that could initially be broadcast:

• The handing down of a judgment in the Court of Appeal, including submissions from legal representatives and exchanges between legal representatives and the court.

• Judges making sentencing remarks in the Crown Court.

The Minister concluded by highlighting the expected benefits of increased transparency. "Allowing for greater transparency in the conduct of court business would help to improve public understanding of what the judiciary does and how judicial decisions are made. This should enhance public confidence and trust in our justice system, which is why I am consulting on this important initiative."

The closing date for the consultation is Wednesday 16 July 2025.

You can respond via the consultation section on the Department of Justice website or online via CitizenSpace.