Plans to allow cameras into court are under threat after a report has recommended the legislation is dropped or significantly limited in its scope.

The Human Rights Joint Committee has said it is “concerned that vulnerable victims and witnesses may be deterred from the judicial process and that certain defendants may not receive the protection their vulnerability demands”, as a result of allowing cameras into court.

It is recommending further public consultation or for cameras to be limited to appeal proceedings only.

The report was published to coincide with the House of Lords examination of the Crime and Courts Bill, which includes the legislation to introduce cameras in court.

The committee said it agrees with the objective of making the judicial process open and transparent, but felt further scrutiny of the proposals is needed.

Comprehensive consultation

In the report it recommended that: “the Government conduct a more comprehensive public consultation, carry out a more detailed impact assessment, and conduct a review of the operation of this power after an elapse of years.

“For the moment the Bill ought to be amended to confine the scope of the power to the filming and broadcasting of judges and advocates in appellate proceedings only”, it added,

BBC, ITN and Sky News have been lobbying to be allowed to film in court for several years. In May this year it was confirmed in the Queen’s Speech that cameras would be allowed into courts.

At the time the broadcasters said: “Following years of campaigning, we welcome this historic reform that marks an important step for democracy and open justice”.

Topics