Journalists and lawyers will soon be able to use electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones to access the internet and social media in West Australian courts.
Chief Justice Wayne Martin said the new policy, which will come into effect on Tuesday, will allow reporters to tweet verdicts, judgments and sentences as soon as they are announced in court, as well as report on evidence in trials as it happens.
"A fundamental principle of our justice system is that it is open and accountable, and journalists play an important role in ensuring the public learns what happens inside our courts," he said.
"Tweeting results from inside the courtroom assists journalists to provide an immediate, fair and accurate account of court cases."
The new policy does not extend to the public, and it is subject to any direction of the presiding judicial officer, the chief justice said.
A ban also remains in place on photographs and audio recordings in a courtroom.
The policy will allow the use of electronic devices in the Supreme, Family, District, Magistrates and Children's Courts, as well as the State Administrative Tribunal.
Share
