The decision by
The Age to publish early articles about George Pellâs sex abuse conviction was, lawyers for the media argue, made to inform readers why the case could not be reported, although the call âwas ultimately wrongâ.
Fourteen news outlets have pleaded guilty to a combined 21 charges of contempt of court for breaching a suppression order with reports published or broadcast in December 2018, in the days after Cardinal Pell was found guilty.
Cardinal George Pell.
Credit:AP
The cardinal last year had his convictions quashed and was released from prison following a successful appeal to the High Court.
Media await court s penalties for contempt over early reports on Cardinal George Pell
smh.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from smh.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Media await court s penalties for contempt over early reports on Cardinal George Pell
brisbanetimes.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from brisbanetimes.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Jurors, judges and lawyers are masked up, court rooms have been reassembled and hand sanitiser is at the ready – welcome to a jury trial in the time of coronavirus.
The pandemic forced the traditionally archaic justice system to ditch the four walls of the court and run cases online.
The Supreme Court jury sits in the body of the court, while the lawyers have been moved up to the side.
Credit:Paul Jeffers
Though plea hearings, bail applications and sentencing were heard over video link, the heads of Victoria s County and Supreme Courts resisted moving jury trials online, suspending those cases in March because of the transmission risk of having so many people in one room.