‘Trial by Media’ for discussion at The Bar of Ireland Conference

April 7, 2016:  The Bar of Ireland is holding its Conference in Kilkenny this weekend (Friday April 8^th and Saturday April 9^th, 2016), focussed on the topical theme of ‘Trial by Media’.

Do television cameras belong in the courtroom? Are they providing greater transparency in the justice system, or creating a barrier to free testimonial from witnesses?  Is technology and social media having a negative impact on access to justice? And can media coverage adversely affect the availability of impartial jurors?

These are just some of the matters that will be discussed at the event, which will be attended by members of the Bar in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. The Conference theme is particularly pertinent this year, as it has just been announced that England and Wales will soon allow TV cameras into crown courts for the first time as part of a pilot scheme by the Ministry of Justice.

International guest speakers include Britain’s best known commentator on the Law, BBC’s Joshua Rozenberg QC (hon); John Carlin, Award winning journalist and best-selling author of Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made A Nation and Chase Your Shadow, The Trials of Oscar Pistorius; Cristi Charpentier: US Criminal Defence Attorney who works with death row inmates and Guantanamo detainees; and Gordon Jackson SC, Vice Dean, Faculty of Advocates, Scotland.

Amongst the Irish speakers are Michael O’Higgins SC, Barrister and author, barristers Sean Guerin SC and Shane Murphy SC; and journalists Colm Keena and Dearbhail McDonald.

The Conference sessions will be chaired by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, and by Michael McDowell SC.

Speaking ahead of the Conference, David Barniville SC, Chairman of the Council of The Bar of Ireland said; “The media has always played a vital role in court proceedings and it’s important that they continue to do so. However, it’s critical that a balance is struck between public access and the integrity of the justice system – a simple tweet could cause a mistrial.

“Access to justice is a core fundamental right and it is a principle that the members of The Bar of Ireland strenuously defend and fight on a daily basis on behalf of their clients. Defendants must be given the opportunity to a fair trial, without first being deemed guilty in the court of ‘public opinion’. In that sense it’s important that responsible reporting and high ethical standards are maintained.

“As the representative body for the independent referral bar, the Council of The Bar of Ireland considers this to be an increasingly important issue – particularly in light of recent developments in the UK. As the media landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace and new technologies are introduced, the media and the legal profession must continue to work together in a way that best serves wider society in the best possible way.  We are looking forward to a full and frank debate on the subject this weekend at our national Conference in Kilkenny,” he said. 

Ends/

The Council of the Bar of Ireland is the representative body for barristers at the Bar of Ireland practising in the Law Library. To see the fill conference programme. click here:
To seek accreditation for the Conference this weekend contact sinead@q4pr.ie (087) 6411725.
Photography will be issued by Dylan Vaughan.