The press watchdog has launched a new guide to help inexperienced and “time poor” journalists covering courts.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation has launched the guidance, which offers reporters advice on how to comply with the Editors’ Code of Practice while reporting on cases.

It features a step-by-step guide to potential issues relating to each of the relevant Clauses of the Code, accompanied by practical examples of IPSO adjudications relating to court stories, both upheld and rejected, along the way.

The guidance was launched by IPSO board member and former Maidenhead Advertiser editor Martin Trepte in a guest blog.

Martin, pictured, wrote: “Today’s journalists are time poor, juggling a huge workload of stories and – particularly in the regional press – a dedicated court reporter is the rarest of luxuries. IPSO’s new guidance on court reporting seeks to help address that imbalance.

“While not a step-by-step ‘how to’ guide to court reporting (there are several of those about, not least from the Society of Editors) it is a vital addition to the toolkit of any journalist reporting from court.”

Issues examined in the booklet include Contempt of Court, social media, taking photographs, privacy notices, the judiciary and jurors, with the aim of helping “avoid the potential pitfalls of covering court for the inexperienced or simply rushed reporter”.

Martin added: “From Accuracy to Victims of Sexual Assault, the guidance looks in detail at how each relevant clause applies to court reporting and sets out the questions to ask yourself to ensure your copy is Code compliant and legally safe.

“Covering the courts is fundamental to the principle of open justice – that justice is not just done but seen to be done. This new guidance will provide added confidence to know what can – and can’t – be reported to ensure we fulfil our role as the eyes and ears of the public in court.

“To produce it has been an exhaustive process with input from working journalists, editors and media lawyers.

“It isn’t a top-down set of instructions imposed on the industry by its regulator but an important addition to IPSO’s growing body of guidance that aims to help reporters work to the highest standards – something that defines and distinguishes the journalism produced by IPSO members.

“Whether you cover Magistrate’s, Crown, Youth or Sherriff’s Court, this guidance is essential reading.

“If you’re new to court reporting it will be packed with essential advice and information. If you’re an old hand, you’ll find useful reminders and valuable insights based on the latest IPSO rulings.”

The guidance can be read in full here.