It is important that fair trials are conducted. Posts on Facebook, Twitter and on other social networking sites are subject to the same laws that apply to newspapers and other media. Information posted about a case or a defendant could potentially influence a jury or reveal the names of victims; such comments could amount to ‘contempt of court’.

To prevent further people inadvertently breaking the law and committing contempt of court by commenting on legal cases online, the Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC is to publish guidance on Twitter and on the AGO section of the government website.