COURT REPORTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 101, 9 April 1936, Page 7

COURT REPORTS

Bill Imposes Restrictions on Publication

PHOTOS. FORBIDDEN

(By Telegraph—Presa Association.» WELLINGTON, April 8. Restrictions on the publication of certain details in divorce and other judicial proceedings and of unauthorised photographs or drawings of persons engaged in those proceedings are to bo enforced under the Judicial Reports Bill, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Copies of the Bill were circulated to-day. Tho Bill definitely regulates tho extent of reports on dLurce proceedings or on the making of orders under tho Destitute Persons Act. Except with the authority in writing of the presiding judge or magistrate, reports relating to proceedings for the dissolution or marriage, nullity of marriage, judicial separation, restitution ot conjugal rights or for affiliation, maintenance, separation or guardianship orders under the Destitute Persons Act must be restricted to the following details. Names, addresses and descriptions of the parties and witnesses and of solicitors and counsel; a concise statement of :lue charges, defences and counter-charges in support of which evidence has been given; submissions on any point of law; ind the decision of the Court, the zumming-up of thejudges and the finding of tne jury, the judgment of the Court and any observations of the judge or magistrate in giving judgment. The provision with regard to the publication of photographs or drawings is more sweeping, unless authority is obtained from the judge or magistrate there is complete prohibition against the publication or procuring for publication of any photograph, drawing, caricature or other representation of any person who is a party to or witness in the proceedings, or of any juror. This clause applies to any judicial proceedings, whether criminal or civil. The prohibition regarding photographs does not apply to any official action taken oy the jwlice. Another clause deals specifically with poisoning cases. It is stated that publication of the name of any poison or other similar substance in murder or suicide cases will be unlawful. . This provision also prohibits any description by which poison could be identified. The authority of a judge or magistrate, however, can render lawful the publication of these details. Prosecutions for offences under the Bill can be instituted with the consent of the Attorney-General. The maximum penalties for contravention of tho provisions of the Bill are fixed at two months 'imprisonment or a nna of £250.