Media 24 Limited and Others v National Prosecuting Authority and Others (55656/10)
Media 24 Limited and Others v National Prosecuting Authority and Others (55656/10) [2011] ZAGPPHC 64; 2011 (2) SACR 321 (GNP) (29 April 2011)
The court held that Section 63(5) of the Child Justice Act establishes a default position of closed proceedings for trials involving minor accused, but allows the presiding officer discretion to permit attendance in exceptional circumstances. In this case, the murder of Mr Eugene Terre'blanche, a prominent political figure, generated significant public interest and speculation, justifying an exception to the default rule. The court found that the interests of open justice and freedom of expression must be balanced against the best interests, privacy, and dignity of the minor accused. Accordin…
Source excerpt
- Child Justice Act Section 63
- Open Justice
- Freedom Of Expression
- Best Interests Of Child
- Media Access To Court
- Privacy And Dignity