History made as court film ban lifted
This is the first video image of an English court case to be broadcast live on television after a near-90-year ban on filming was today lifted.
In what has been hailed as a landmark moment for justice and journalism, broadcasters are now able to film one of the highest courts in the land, the Court of Appeal.
After years of campaigning by broadcasters BBC, ITN, Press Association and Sky News, cameras have been placed in five courtrooms at the Royal Courts of Justice.
James Harding, BBC director of news and current affairs, said: "This is a landmark moment for justice and journalism. It is a significant step on the way to helping millions of viewers gain a greater understanding of how our judicial system works."
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Lawyers' arguments and judges' summing up, decision and – in criminal cases – sentencing remarks may be filmed but victims, witnesses and defendants will not be filmed.
The first case to be televised is about Convicted counterfeiter Kevin Fisher – the ringleader of a gang that created hundreds of thousands of fake £1 coins.
He is applying for leave to appeal against his sentence.
