Overview

Since 27 April 2009, the media has been allowed to attend the majority of private family hearings. The changes arise from The Family Proceedings Rules 2009 and The Family Proceedings Courts Rules 2009; the former relating to the County Court and High Court and the latter, the Magistrates Court. It would be an understatement to say that there has been a mixed reaction to these rules.

In the aftermath of cases such as Baby P and Victoria Climbie, social services and family courts alike received huge criticism and were accused of acting in secret and without proper accountability. It was suggested there was a lack of transparency.

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