Our court buildings are so decrepit one wonders why anyone would voluntarily enter one. Reporters do so occasionally, but the presumption of secrecy and exclusion that pervades British public life continues to make it difficult. Photo ID and staff card did not suffice for one Gazette reporter trying to get into one eminent forum this week, even though they are known there. Our hapless scribe was forced to stand outside and wait for the editor to email the court to confirm the reporter was a reporter. 

Another colleague was baffled to learn that she would need to give a tribunal her home address to attend a remote hearing. Having received a few enquiries about this particular requirement, the judge explained in a case management direction that, unlike in a physical courtroom, the court has no power to take immediate action on any possible contempt committed by a remote observer, so the court needs to be able to contact the observer concerned. ‘Wotchit mush, we know where you live.’

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