A top judge has declared that court challenges from journalists are “always welcome” as the latest edition of media law bible McNae’s was unveiled.

Around 100 journalists, lawyers and educators came together to mark the launch of the new edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists at an NCTJ reception in London.

Speakers included co-authors Sian Harrison and Gill Phillips, barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC and Mr Justice Nicklin, chair of the Judiciary’s recently established Transparency & Open Justice Board.

Judge Nicklin paid tribute to the work of the co-authors, pictured second left and centre below, and said the use of McNae’s was essential to effectively challenging decisions on reporting restrictions in court.

He told the gathering: “Challenges are always welcome. In the area of reporting restrictions and anonymity orders, there is an ever-present risk that such orders are made without the court having the benefit of a proper argument.

“The dynamic is frequently that the party making the application is the only one making substantive submissions.

“It frequently falls to representatives of the media to make any arguments against the making of an order.

“Make sure you’ve got your McNae’s – suitably marked up – to guide your submissions.”

The new updated edition includes revised chapters on regulatory codes, updates to legislation and rules affecting court reporting, as well as new case studies and a new online chapter on SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participations).

Co-author Sian Harrison, the law editor of PA Media, said at a time when disinformation is rife and AI is on the rise, it is more important than ever to have the highest standards in the industry.

She said: “We really need to make the distinction between us, as professional journalists, and people publishing content on social media which is completely unverified.”

Gill is the former director of editorial legal services for The Guardian, and previously worked for the legal teams of the BBC and Times Newspapers. This is the first edition of McNae’s Gill has worked on, having succeeded previous co-author Mark Hanna.

The 27th edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists can be purchased here for the discounted price of £27.99 (RRP £29.99).