Transparency in the Family Courts: Publicity and Privacy in Practice

Transparency in the family justice system is essential for openness, accessibility, and public understanding, but it must balance privacy to protect vulnerable parties. This book provides a practical guide to relevant legislation, case law, policy, and procedure, including press attendance and reporting, legal blogging developments, privacy of financial applications, and updated judicial guidance on anonymisation and publication. It is essential for practitioners in family courts, media lawyers, journalists, legal bloggers, and social workers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Transparency in the family justice system refers to the openness, accessibility, and public understanding of the legal proceedings and decisions related to family matters. While the principle of open justice has long been recognized, it has been constrained by the need to protect the privacy of vulnerable parties involved in family disputes. This has led to a complex web of legislation and case law governing the balance between privacy and publicity in family courts.

The book "Transparency in the Family Justice System" provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the relevant legislation, case law, policy, and procedure related to transparency in family courts. It is written in the context of the outcome of the President's Transparency Review (2021) and covers recent case law and procedural changes.

One of the key aspects of the book is the discussion of press attendance and reporting from pilot courts. The authors highlight the importance of press coverage in promoting transparency and providing the public with access to information about family court proceedings. They also discuss the legal blogging developments that have emerged in recent years, which have played a significant role in providing information and analysis to the public.

Another important aspect of the book is the privacy of financial applications. The authors explain the legal framework governing the disclosure of financial information in family court proceedings and the challenges that arise in balancing the need for transparency with the protection of privacy. They also provide guidance on how to handle sensitive financial information in a confidential and ethical manner.

Updated judicial guidance on anonymisation and publication is another key feature of the book. The authors discuss the recent changes in the law and provide practical advice on how to apply these changes in practice. They also highlight the importance of transferring primary publication from BAILII to TNA, which has made it easier for the public to access family court judgments.

The Appendix of case studies has been updated to include recent key cases that illustrate the application of transparency principles in family court proceedings. These cases provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by practitioners and the ways in which transparency has been achieved.

The book is intended for practitioners in family courts, media lawyers, journalists, legal bloggers, and social workers. It provides a clear and concise explanation of the relevant law, so that they are well-equipped to advise their clients on their remedies, rights, and obligations with regard to transparency.

In conclusion, transparency in the family justice system is essential for promoting public understanding, trust, and accountability. The book "Transparency in the Family Justice System" provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the relevant legislation, case law, policy, and procedure related to transparency in family courts. It is written in the context of the outcome of the President's Transparency Review (2021) and covers recent case law and procedural changes. By providing a clear and concise explanation of the relevant law, the book will assist practitioners in family courts, media lawyers, journalists, legal bloggers, and social workers in advising their clients on their remedies, rights, and obligations with regard to transparency.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 156 x 249 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526525789
Edition number: 2 ed