Chief Justice in crackdown on courtroom social media
Mr Justice Clarke LIVE social media updates are set to be banned in Irish courts except for journalists and lawyers involved in the case.
Chief Justice Mr Justice Frank Clarke made the announcement as he spoke about the difficulties the practice is having on cases.
He made his remarks as he addressed a seminar of journalists in Dublin yesterday.
Emphasising the right to a fair trial, the Chief Justice described social media as “all pervasive in society”, and while recognising the courts “do not operate in isolation” from the world of communications, he said guidelines are needed.
He announced a new measure limiting the use of live text and messagebased communications from court.
Mr Justice Clarke said: “It is clear there needs to be guidelines regarding the ‘who, when and what’ of using social media in courtrooms.
“From this month on a new Practice Direction – signed by the Presidents of all the Court jurisdictions – will limit the use of court based data messaging and electronic devices, to bona fide members of the press and bona fide lawyers with business in the courts.
“Both sets of professionals know the limits of what they can report and when.”