HMCTS staff guidance on supporting media access to courts and tribunals
Documents
- HMCTS1151_HMCTS_media_guidance_Oct_2026_v4.pdf
- Magistrates___Crown_Court_register_guide_v6_Nov_23.pdf
- HMCTS314_Managing_media_access_to_high_profile_cases_June_2021.pdf
- HMCTS1151_HMCTS_Protocol_for_journalists_Oct_2026_v4.pdf
- HMCTS1151_Media_Guidance_-_Criminal_Court_Guide_Oct_2026_v4.pdf
- HMCTS314_media_guidance_-_Civil_Court_Guide_17_Oct_2024.pdf
- HMCTS707_media_guidance_-_Family_Court_Guide_JAN_2025_V3.pdf
- HMCTS751_media_guidance_-_Tribunals_court_guide_8_May_2025_V2.pdf
- HMCTS702_Reporters_Charter_A4P_v6_Nov_25__2_.pdf
- Crown_Court_public_list_guide_v6a.pdf
- HMCTS1151_HMCTS_Guidance_for_checking_status__of_journalists_July_2026.pdf
The principle of open justice is a longstanding feature of our legal system. The public has a right to know what happens in our courts and tribunals, and public confidence in the justice system relies on transparency.
One way this important principle is upheld is the attendance and reporting of proceedings by the media. It is through the media that many people hear about the operation of the justice system and form views on it.
We developed this guide with representatives of the media to ensure that it is best focused to help our staff provide the best possible service to what is an important professional court and tribunal user group.
This guide covers most of the typical media situations our staff are likely to encounter and will be regularly reviewed.