The Ulster Unionist Party has called on Justice Minister, David Ford to explore possibility of allowing court proceedings in Northern Ireland. Deputy leader, John McCallister MLA pressed the Minister on the matter during Question Time.
The South Down MLA said:
“The Ulster Unionist Party wants to see public confidence in our justice system maximized and we believe that televising court proceedings could play an important role in doing so. If the public can see certain parts of a trial, for example the sentencing, it can lead to greater understanding of the verdict which has been reached.’
“Obviously in Northern Ireland we are in a unique position to the rest of the United Kingdom in relation to the sensitivities surrounding some cases which come into our court system and the independence of the Judiciary obviously needs to be respected. However, Scotland’s example will allow us to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages.’
“Given that we have seen the relaxation of the ban on filming court proceedings in Scotland I would hope that the Justice Minister and his Department have been monitoring this as well as the situation in England and Wales.’