Open Justice and Privacy in Family Proceedings

Open justice is the default position in all court proceedings and family proceedings is no exception. However, in some proceedings, especially those relating to children, there may be circumstances where privacy is justified. Balancing the rights between the need for openness and transparency in proceedings yet legitimately protecting the interests of families and especially children is a challenging area for legal practitioners.

Open Justice and Privacy in Family Proceedings provides a practical guide to the principles and practice of open justice and privacy in family proceedings. It provides an explanation of the law and procedures governing family courts and the difficulties involved in balancing the rights of privacy and publicity.

The book examines:

• When open justice principles apply
• the substantive law governing open court principles
• when hearings may be held in private, secret or in chambers
• the release of court materials before and after hearings
• anonymity, judgements and witnesses
• privacy and court procedure
• publicity and reporting restrictions