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Existing contempt laws "hopelessly inadequate" in curbing social media comment, judge says
Summary
During a hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally criticised existing contempt of court laws as "hopelessly inadequate" for curbing social media commentary that could interfere with trials. She spoke ahead of a trial set for 3 October involving six defendants charged with violent disorder and false imprisonment following a 2014 protest in Jobstown, Tallaght. Greally had considered imposing a bail condition preventing defendants from making social media comments aimed at influencing the trial, but after defence submissions she decided no change was needed, citing the usual condition to keep the peace and good behaviour. She warned that any such commentary would be evidence of contempt. The judge also cautioned mainstream media against linking the upcoming defendants to the previous trial and noted the DPP's sensitivity to recent broadcast comments. The hearing highlighted the tension between freedom of expression and the need to protect the integrity of ongoing trials.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Existing contempt laws "hopelessly inadequate" in curbing social media comment, judge says. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- October 3 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 15th, 2014 Incident
- 2017-07-29 Publication
Why: After listening to defence submissions, Judge Greally decided bail conditions did not need to be altered because anyone engaging in commentary or campaigns calculated to influence the outcome of a trial would be in breach of the usual condition to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. Defence account reported by CNI
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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