Presentation of the updated edition of the manual for journalists “Basics of judicial journalism” took place on 19 September 2016 in Art Prychal in Kyiv within the component of the development of communication strategies of the joint EU/CoE Joint Project “Consolidation of Justice Sector Policy Development in Ukraine”.

The updated edition of the manual was prepared by consultants of project, media-lawyers Ms. Liudmyla Opryshko and Ms. Liudmyla Pankratova in cooperation with USAID Fair Justice Project.

Open discussion following the presentation provided the representatives of the media, NGOs, judicial branch, legal professionals and international community the best opportunity to share the views on obstacles for cooperation between the media and representatives of the judiciary and the ways of establishing a meaningful dialogue for better informing of the public on the courts and their activities.

The Manual informs the reader on international standards and principles covering court activities in media, including decisions of the ECtHR. It covers recent changes in the Ukrainian legislative framework and most recent national case law on the subject. The Manual also provides simple yet useful advice to journalists on how to approach and build constructive and sustainable relations with courts. It further provides recommendations as to interviewing judges, informs about ethical standards of covering court proceedings, rules on access to court premises and court proceedings, access to court judgments, photo and video coverage at courtrooms.

The Manual will be distributed throughout Ukraine among representatives of media, judiciary, journalism departments of universities and other interested parties.

Electronic version of the Manual is available at this link