Active proceedings

Question 1

Active Proceedings

Answer 1

• The accused may face trial by jury. So anything published must not prejudice the jury against them. Including on social media.
• Journalists must keep checking with police to see if a case is ‘active’. I.e an arrest has been made or if someone has been charged.

Question 2

What cannot be published when a case is active?

Answer 2

• Claims about the suspect’s or defendant’s background or character.
• No suggestion that they are a liar or have confessed to the alleged crime.
• That the accused is a flight risk or is of bad character. (including reasons for bail being refused) .

Question 3

Other things that cannot be published when a case is active:

Answer 3

• No allegations that they have committed other crimes.
• Anything which directly links the suspect/defendant to the alleged crime, or any suggestion that they are guilty. I.e description of someone matching theirs was seen at the crime scene.
• No suggestion that they are a liar or have confessed to the alleged crime.