What are the most dire words that any Catholic journalist can hear in the mainstream media? “Today, the Vatican/Pope Francis said …” Some of that can be blamed on the pontiff’s.
Although the latest judgment does not change the law, such an unequivocal ruling from two senior and highly respected members of the judiciary is likely to influence wayward judges in lower courts that freedom of expression must be protected.
It will also limit the vexatious use of legislation to inhibit freedom of speech in a bid to “police” Twitter spats.
Lord Justice Bean is no stranger to controversial and high profile cases having presided over the trial of James Bulger killer Jon Venables in 2010, while leading media judge Mr Justice Warby is presiding over the Duchess of Sussex’s privacy case against the Mail on Sunday, which has been adjourned until next year.