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Media law is ever changing and this index will strive to keep you abreast of developments in this complex and important area of journalism.

Our fortnightly column looking at the latest law issues, written by specialist media lawyers from Foot Anstey, also appears here.

Teenager tells paper of sex abuse ordeal

A brave teenager has spoken out about the year-long sexual abuse she endured at the hands of a paedophile. Laura Taylor, (16), took the unusual step of waiving her legal right to anonymity so that she could tell her story

Review could close inquests to press

A review is under way which could close some inquests to the press and public. The Government is examining proposals that might better serve the needs of the modern public, give bereaved families better rights, and provide professionals with better

Paper will not face contempt of court action

A High Court judge has ruled that no action should be taken against the Aberdeen Press and Journal after it was alleged to be in contempt of court. The newspaper faced the charge after it published an article in August

Paper wins right to challenge reporting restrictions

The Jersey Evening Post has won the right to challenge the secrecy surrounding a multi-million pound civil court case involving the state of Qatar. The Post is arguing for the lifting, in the interests of open justice, of reporting restrictions

Part of press freedom case is held in private

A newspaper that won the right to challenge the secrecy surrounding a multi-million pound civil court case has been temporarily barred from its own application hearing. The Jersey Evening Post is arguing for the lifting, in the interests of open

Journalist Panter will not face contempt action

Manchester Evening News journalist Steve Panter has been told that he will not face further legal action for failing to reveal his sources in a Crown Court case. The matter was referred to the Attorney General’s office for a decision,

Challenge to young criminals who are a threat to society

Decland Madigan has been hauled before the courts again. With more than 100 convictions the 16-year-old is one of Nottingham’s most persistent young offenders. His name provokes a range of reactions.Matt Laddin and Rebecca Sherdley of the Evening Post took

Post trio targeted in snatched shots at pub

The Evening Post has been reporting on the extraordinary story of the rise and fall of Nottingham estate agents Aaron Scargill, which has now ceased trading. And no aspect is as bizarre as the company’s involvement with a flood of

Newspaper wins right to print defendant's address

An order banning the identification of a man charged with attempted murder has been overturned by the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph. When the defendant first appeared at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court the Evening Telegraph was able to name him, but his address

Paper fights to print details of multi-million pound case

A legal fight has been launched by an evening paper to challenge the secrecy surrounding a multi-million pound civil court case involving the state of Qatar. The Jersey Evening Post is arguing for the lifting of reporting restrictions in the

Bench takes 20 minutes to agree with the Gazette

The Shields Gazette has persuaded a court to allow a 16-year-old troublemaker to be publicly identified. The paper is heralding the result as “a major victory in the fight to name persistent young criminals” preying on the people of South

Judge persuaded to overturn his own banning order

A judge has overturned his own order banning the identification of a teenager, following an application by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Judge Andrew Blake had originally imposed a Section 39 order at a Preston Crown Court hearing after being told

Judge says: "Justice must be seen to be done"

A Crown Court recorder reminded the public that “Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done”, as she lifted an anonymity order on a young thug. Recorder Juliette May used those words as she lifted

Paper is refused police pics – to protect the vandals

A Scottish newspaper has revealed how it has been denied the chance to bring young tearaways to book because police have refused to release video footage of them carrying out an “orgy of destruction”. The children were caught on film

Letter to magistrates wins naming concession

The Bristol Evening Post and the Somerset Mercury have won the right to name two tearaways who were banned from the centre of Weston-super-Mare. Lawyers acting for the Post sent a letter to magistrates asking them not to impose an

Papers win right to name teenage brothers

The Derby Evening Telegraph and the Burton Mail have won the right to name two teenage brothers who subjected neighbours to two years of abuse. The brothers, aged 14 and 15, were placed under anti-social behaviour orders after police were