TV cameras will be allowed to record proceedings at the Court of Appeal for the first time in the United Kingdom.
Filming will begin as early as Thursday.
The Court of Appeal is one of the highest courts in England and Wales.
While members of the public are able to watch proceedings by sitting in the court, the Criminal Justice Act 1925 established a ban on the use of cameras in court, thus keeping the greater public from having access on TV.
The ban was established to encourage victims, witnesses and jurors to take part in cases. For this reason, the cameras are limited initially to the Court of Appeal and subject to strict limitations.
Lawyers' arguments and judges' comments will be shown, but not those of defendants, witnesses and victims. Only one courtroom will be covered a day.
Safeguards are built into the experiment. For example, a time-delay system will protect normal court restrictions, such as contempt of court.
Footage can be used for news and current affairs but not for other reasons such as comedy, entertainment or advertising.
If the experiment is deemed satisfactory, cameras may eventually be allowed in crown courts and magistrates' courts.
