NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What details can be reported under Section 52A of the Crime of Disorder Act 1998?

1. Only the date and time of the hearing

2. Personal details of all witnesses

3. The name, age, address, and occupation of the defendant

4. Magistrates' final judgement

The correct answer is: The name, age, address, and occupation of the defendant

The reasoning behind the correctness of the selected answer lies in the specific provisions set out by Section 52A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. This section focuses on the information that may be disclosed regarding defendants in criminal proceedings, particularly intended to balance the interests of justice and the principle of open courts with the rights to privacy and fairness in legal proceedings. Under this act, it is permitted to report on the name, age, address, and occupation of the defendant, as these details are relevant to understanding the context of the case and the identity of the person being prosecuted. Reporting this information allows for transparency in the legal process and informs the public about who stands accused. The other options do not relate directly to what is specified under Section 52A. For instance, merely reporting the date and time of the hearing or the magistrates' final judgment does not provide insight into the defendant's identity and background, which is crucial for public records and media coverage. Regarding personal details of all witnesses, there are strict privacy laws and protections around witness identities, especially in sensitive cases, making that option not permissible under this legislation.