House of Commons publishes briefing paper on transparency in the family court

The House of Commons Library has published a briefing paper looking at the issue of confidentiality and openness in the family court.

The paper provides background on the introduction of the new Family Court, the current rules on transparency and the recent history of changes in this area.

The current rules on transparency focus on communication of information and media attendance, the publication of judgments, and rules on contempt of court. 

The recent reforms examine in particular the recent direction on the publication of judgments, and consultation on further measures to improve transparency by the President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby.

The paper, Confidentiality and openness in the family courts: current rules and history of their reform, is available to download here. 

Our Family Courts, secret, private or confidential? This will help. http://t.co/3GnJIzyzjF #familylaw #transparency #pressfreedom

— Simpson Millar (@Fostersbristol) September 28, 2015