2. Court reporting is a fundamental part of journalism but the rules surrounding reporting change depending on the type of court you are reporting from. There are many different types of courts that deal with many different types of cases and they all have their separate rules.

3. The coroner’s court investigates death in particular circumstances. It does not determine innocence or guilt. A coroner is a government official who confirms and certifies the death of an individual within a jurisdiction. The coroner is a doctor or lawyer who is responsible for investigating deaths in particular circumstances. If necessary, they can arrange for a post-mortem examination of the body.

4. Most criminal cases in England and Wales are dealt with by magistrates, in either an adult or youth court. Some offences - known as ‘summary offences’ - can only be dealt with by a magistrates’ court. These include minor theft, minor public order offences and most motoring offences. Magistrates’ courts can also deal with more serious crimes including drugs offences, burglary and handling stolen goods. These are known as ‘either way’ offences, which means they can be dealt with either at this level or in a crown court.

5. The crown court deals with serious criminal cases such as murder, rape or robbery. Trials are heard by a judge and a 12-person jury selected from the public at random. The crown court sits in approximately 77 different locations in England and Wales. In contrast to magistrates’ courts, in crown courts judges rule on the law and impose sentences but juries decide whether, on the evidence, the charge is proved.

6. reporting restrictions apply to restrict what can and cannot be reported about certain preliminary hearings in the crown court before the case goes to trial before a jury. You MUST not record any of the court hearings using any recording devices. You may not be able to record bail hearings as they may go on to the crown court. There are many restriction involving court reporting and becoming a court journalist can be very hard work. You must learn all the rules involved in reporting or you will be the one facing the court.

7. thanks