Legal reporting in Maryland can be complex, so it is a good idea to have an understanding of the judicial system and how the courts operate. Judges as well as attorneys often view the media as a unsettling influence on the operation of the courts as there is a great deal of public interest in criminal cases. If an individual is accused of wrongdoing, it is important that they have a fair trial. When a crime has occurred, legal reporters have a responsibility to report it to the people. They are an important part in conveying information to the public. The public has a right to know and see that justice has been done. Legal reporting will encourage the public confidence in the law and help discourage future crime.
Reporters may interview people who saw the crime and quote what they have said. When the individual is apprehended for the crime and is about to be charged, journalists are limited in what they can report. It can be reported that an individual has been arrested for a crime, it cannot however, be reported that they committed a crime, just that the person was charged. In legal reporting, it is important to stick with the facts.
Legal reports are protected against defamation if the following criteria are met:
* They must be fair
* They must be accurate
* Must be without malice
To ensure that there is a fair trial there are rules for legal reporting.
* The background of a case should not be discussed or commented on while it is before a judge or court of law.
* You may not be able to report committal events in full.
* Children involved cannot be identified without the court’s approval.
* You may not be able to report what happens in a divorce case.
* You cannot report any hearing that is private. No reporters are allowed in the courtroom while private evidence is being presented.
Professional court reporting is offered through legal services in many different markets across the United States. They offer such services as real-time computer assisted reporting, in-house videographers, video conferencing, trial presentation and more.
