Policy Press

Observing Justice

Digital Transparency, Openness and Accountability in Criminal Courts

By Judith Townend and Lucy Welsh

Published

Nov 28, 2023

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Law, Society, Policy

ISBN

978-1529228670

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 28, 2023

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Law, Society, Policy

ISBN

978-1529228687

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 28, 2023

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

Law, Society, Policy

ISBN

978-1529228687

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Observing Justice

This book examines how major but often under-scrutinised legal, social, and technological developments have affected the transparency and accountability of the criminal justice process.

Drawing on empirical and evaluative studies, as well as their own research experiences, the authors explore key legal policy issues such as equality of access, remote and virtual courts, justice system data management, and the roles of public and media observers.

Highlighting the implications of recent changes for access to justice, offender rehabilitation, and public access to information, the book proposes a framework for open justice which prioritises public legal education and justice system accountability.

"People say that justice must be seen to be done but do they walk the walk as well as talk the talk? This timely book analyses whether justice is truly open and why journalists are given privileged access.” Penelope Gibbs, Transform Justice

Judith Townend is Reader in Digital Society and Justice at the University of Sussex.

Lucy Welsh is Reader in Criminal Justice at the University of Sussex.

Chapter One: Introduction: Why We Need to Rethink Approaches to Open Justice in the Criminal Courts

Chapter Two: A History of Accountability in Criminal Courts

Chapter Three: Justice System Modernisation, Digitalisation and Data

Chapter Four: The Role of the Public and Media in Observing Justice

Chapter Five: The Human Impact of Justice System Transparency

Chapter Six: Conclusion: Towards a New Framework for Justice System Accountability