England: Attorney General launches call for evidence on social media impact on trials

The Attorney General for England and Wales, Jeremy Wright QC, has called on judges, solicitors and victims’ groups to submit evidence about the impact of social media on criminal trials.

The Call for Evidence, launched today, asks for experience of trials being affected by social media commentary and evidence of anonymity orders and reporting restrictions being breached on social media.

The purpose of the Call for Evidence is to ascertain whether the risks posed by social media to the administration of justice are increasing, and whether any further action needs to be taken.

Submitted evidence will form the basis of a report by the Attorney General and inform a consideration of what changes, if any, are needed to strike a balance between the rights of the individual to express their views via social media and the protection of fairness in criminal proceedings.

Mr Wright said: “Every defendant in this country is entitled to a fair trial where a verdict is delivered based on the evidence heard in court. Our Contempt of Court laws are designed to prevent trial by media, however, are they able to protect against trials by social media?

“I am looking for expert evidence on whether the increasing influence and ubiquity of social media is having an impact on criminal trials and if so, whether the criminal justice system has the tools it needs to manage that risk.”

The Call for Evidence is open until 8 December 2017.