Journalists could face contempt of court charges in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria if they fail to adhere to a revised practice manual that comes into effect on July 25.
It contains wide-ranging guidelines to legal practitioners and the media on how the court rules are to be applied in both civil and criminal cases.
The manual stipulates anything from the periods within which papers may be filed, to how many pages a court bundle may contain, and what is expected of advocates, court staff and cameramen in court.
It forms part of Deputy Judge President Willem van der Merwe’s turnaround strategy aimed at streamlining court proceedings and delivering a better service to the public.
The guidelines on media coverage in court are in line with the those issued by the Supreme Court of Appeal, to standardise the procedure where permission is requested to film or record proceedings.
Media outlets will have to apply to the court registrar for permission to film or record proceedings at least 24 hours before a case. Objections will have to be raised in writing.
According to the new rules, only one video camera and one still photographer will be allowed to record proceedings while court is in session. Media organisations will have to decide among themselves who the chosen one will be.
The media will also have to operate “an open and impartial distribution scheme” in terms of which the footage, sound or photographs would have to be distributed with no visible logos, to any other press organisation requesting it.
It would also have to be archived to remain freely available.
The manual makes it clear that if no agreement can be reached on these arrangements, no expanded media coverage will be allowed. The location of the camera and lenses may not be changed while the court is in session.
The media will be able to install their own audio-recording system, provided this is unobtrusive and does not interfere with proceedings. No special lighting or flash attachments are permitted during court proceedings, and no visible or audible signals may be used on any equipment. — Sapa