New pocket-sized guides to key legal reporting issues have been launched by The Press Association’s training division.

The LegalAids are a series of cards that can be used by reporters as a handy information tool.

There are five individual cards, each covering a fundamental legal subject, namely, contempt, libel, children, magistrates’ courts and challenging the court. They have been written by David Banks, a law lecturer and co-editor of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists.

Reporters needing answers quickly to questions as diverse as when to name a child, what reporting restrictions apply in court and what to steer clear of to avoid contempt, are all covered.

There are also case studies and statutes for any journalists who may need to dispute court orders.

Tony Johnston, head of PA Training, said: “The law is increasingly complex, reporters need to have accurate information at their fingertips. It is not always practical to carry a textbook around.”

Press Association Training has three fully equipped training centres, in Howden in East Yorkshire, London, and Newcastle.

The guides cost £6.99 for a set of five, via the website pa-training.co.uk