Qld to test TV cameras filming courtroom judgements

Queensland will trial TV cameras being allowed to film judgements in courtrooms.

ABC reports a pilot program has been adopted and approved by both Supreme Court and District Court judges following recommendations in a report by a committee of judges earlier this year.

Under the guidelines, media will be able to film and record the announcement of a judgement and a judge’s sentencing remarks.

Restrictions will be placed on what can be recorded, and how the vision and audio can be used by the media.

Senior lecturer in criminal law at Queensland University of Technology Nigel Stobbs said other states had been doing it for years.

“We already have in Queensland sentencing remarks published in printed form on the Queensland Courts website, but there’s nothing like a video recording to feel like you’re present,” he said.

He said it may give the public a better perspective on the sentence given by a judge.

The judge presiding over the case will have the final say on cameras being permitted.