Professor of Law responds to MHKs being asked to stop journalists revealing personal information
Changing legislation to prohibit journalists from reporting the personal details of people who appear in court could make the Isle of Man ‘less transparent’.
That’s the view of a Professor of Law at Oxford Brookes University who has responded to a call for politicians to alter the law.
Self-styled ‘YouTube activist, and Douglas councillor, Frank Shuengel has written to MHKs saying naming defendants, pre-or-post conviction, is a ‘gross violation’ of their privacy.
He wants a ‘media code of conduct’ brought in which would mean no personal information could be given out at any stage of the court process.
You can find out more HERE.
Professor Peter Edge has told Manx Radio changing reporting restrictions could reduce public understanding.
But he accepts that open justice isn’t ‘cost free’:
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