He's wearing a big hat with bobbles on, now you're in trouble!

Lectures in the morning a certainly not made for me, considering I spent 4 months off during summer waking up after 1. Consequently, waking before then would bring me back to my younger years as my mum would congratulate me for waking up early. A little praise never goes a miss. After running (or in my case 'fast walking') up the hill towards uni for 10 minutes left me feeling both physically and mentally exhausted before the day had even began, what a great start! Not! But here I am sat in the library at 11.50am instead of either sleeping or going home, so hopefully this will earn me some more of that praise which is always greatly appreciated.


Within Court reporting it is essential Journalists remember the important principles of law, such as Qualified Privallage. This ultimately refers to being able to say anything as a Journalist without being sued. In reference to the title, you can tell how much trouble you are in by the type of hat/wig the judge is wearing. Basically, if you are sitting infront of a judge with a large hat and bobbles on it, you are in the European Court and are in BIG trouble, or you could just be in a court with a judge who looks like this:

On a serious note, the basic legal principles are as followed;
1. Pressumption of Innocence - The pressumption of innocence describes the way the trialed party must be treated as innocent until they are proven guilty in a Criminal Court.
This can relate to Mens Rea which describes a guilty mind, and Actus Reus which therefore describes an act which is potentially criminal.
2. Justice must seen to be done - Trials must be held in public and according to know rules of evidence and procedure, unless there is a strong reason why not, e.g. national security, rape cases and protection of children.
3. Evidence-based justice - The right to have evidence test by jury of peers (effectively now- fellow citizens)


The Press = 'eyes and ears of the public'


In a criminal court -which usually hold the murderers, rapists and basically anyone you wouldn't want anywhere near you- there are a few main roles which Journalists need to be able to recognise. Really,even un-qualified Journalists should be able to.
Firstly, there is the Jury, who decide who is innocent or guiltly and utlimately, they can only judge on the evidence given.
Secondly, there are the Baristers who is on two teams, one to represent the prosecution. They must prove their case to thej ury 'beyond resonable doubt' using witnesses. The defence barrister is there but the case of the accused person, who is known as the defendent once the trial has started.
Finally, the Judge who is there to decide on admissibility of evidence and advise the jury on points of law. Overall, the Judge makes sure the court and case runs smoothly and deicde on the sentence given.


Crown Court
Crown Courts try serious crimes and have 3 types of judges who are as followed;
High Court: Mr Justice Smith
Circuit Court: Judge John Smith
City Crown Court: London, Manchester: Recorder Mr John Smith


A Crown Courts key functions are to try indictable offences sent for trial by magistrates, to deal with cases sent for sentence and to hear appeals. Either way, most cases dealt with at the crown court are minor/summary cases.
A final thought is a main point a Journalist must not only know, but live by; Do NOT jump to conclusions!