NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

If a defendant is convicted by a majority verdict, is it permissible for the media to report this information?

1. No

2. Yes, but with restrictions

3. Only with the judge's permission

4. Yes

The correct answer is: Yes

When a defendant is convicted by a majority verdict, it is permissible for the media to report this information because majority verdicts are a common aspect of jury trials that are open to public scrutiny. In legal proceedings, the principle of open justice allows for transparency in the judicial system, meaning that verdicts reached by juries, including majority verdicts, can be reported without restriction. Majority verdicts indicate that not all jurors agreed on the decision, but once a verdict is reached and announced in open court, it becomes part of the public record. The media is free to disseminate this information as it contributes to public awareness and understanding of judicial processes. Options that imply restrictions or the need for additional permissions do not align with the established principle of open justice, as once the verdict is delivered in court, it is accessible to the public and can be reported by the media without additional barriers.