DOMESTIC CASES

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 18, 21 July 1934, Page 8

DOMESTIC CASES

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ls it a fact that Mrs. McCombs, M.P., intends to introduce a Bill this session whereby the: Press will be prevented from reporting .on legal proceedings in domestic cases? If so, I for one am disappointed, as I had not expected our first lady member would take this retrogressive step. Whilst thinking people regret these unfortunate cases, they also realise that it is not in tho interests of justice that' they be hushed, so to speak. It is a debatable point as to where a case begins and ends as domestic. As a consequence of Mussolini's absolute decree forbidding the Italian newspapers from publishing news of crimes, recent statistics show a considerable 'increase in crime in that country. It is a generally _ accepted fact that the fear of publicity and punishment keeps a great number of poorly-balanced people :in order. Granted the sensitiveness of those concerned in the cases may be hurt by Press exposure. Is it : right these people should be protected at the expense of the security which the many feel in the cause of justice as at present administered and reported? » ' Mrs. McCombs probably did not intend to go so far in the matter, but one has to be 011 the alert, in view of what is taking place in other countries at the present time. A free and. open Press is to tho community a priceless possession. Do not let us ' slip back by. degrees to- an orgy of superstitious fear by muzzling. the newspapers.—l am, etc., . ;, MABGABET L. STAFFOBD.

[No Bill on the lines indicated has yet been introduced by Mrs. McCombs, though she has advocated closing the courts when domestic cases are being heard.] .:' ' , , :..;:;;