UK Court Reporting Restrictions and Contempt Provisions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the main statutory restrictions on court reporting and contempt mentioned in the lecture notes.

Section 41 Criminal Justice Act 1925

Makes it a criminal offence to take photographs, film, or sketch in or near any court in England & Wales, including public areas, to maintain the dignity and integrity of proceedings.

Section 8 Contempt of Court Act 1981

Creates a strict-liability offence that prohibits seeking, disclosing, or publishing details of jury deliberations, such as how jurors voted or how the decision was reached.

Section 85A Courts Act 2003

Bans unauthorised audio or video recording in criminal courts, covering covert mobile recordings, live-streaming, and use of microphones; applies even if the footage is accurate.

Section 52A Crime and Disorder Act 1998

Imposes an automatic reporting restriction at preliminary hearings in adult criminal cases; only limited details (e.g., defendant’s name, charge, plea, bail decision, lawyers, next hearing date) may be reported until transfer to Crown Court.

Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933

Grants automatic anonymity to under-18s in youth court proceedings, banning publication of name, address, school, photographs, or any identifying detail unless the court lifts the restriction.

Strict-Liability Contempt

A contempt offence that does not require proof of intent; publication alone (e.g., of jury deliberations under Section 8) is enough to be in contempt.

Preliminary Hearing (Adult Criminal)

Early magistrates’ court hearing where basic case details are given before transfer to Crown Court; subject to Section 52A reporting restrictions.

Youth Court

Special magistrates’ court for defendants under 18; proceedings attract automatic anonymity under Section 49 Children and Young Persons Act 1933.