Victims of crime will decide if trials can be shown on TV
Victims of crime will have a say on allowing cameras into courtrooms under plans being prepared by Downing Street.
David Cameron wants criminal proceedings televised as part of a drive for transparency in the justice system - but believes victims should decide how it is broadcast.
The move could see victims opt for a complete criminal trial to be made available to television firms, or restrict access to the judge summing up evidence or passing sentence.
The plans are in the early stages but sources said the Prime Minister eventually wants to see cameras covering most of a trial.
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke warned that trials must not be allowed to become "theatre", but added: "I think you have to demystify the process. There is no good reason for not allowing people to see the judge, hear the sentence in the judge's own words with his explanation rather than perhaps the way it might be reported afterwards."
The Government is considering proposals put forward by broadcasters that would permit filming from courts in tightly controlled circumstances.
Cameras are currently banned from all English and Welsh courtrooms apart from the Supreme Court. Filming is allowed in Scotland under tightly-controlled circumstances.
Mr Clarke signalled that the Court of Appeal would be next to allow cameras access, with crown courts to follow. "What we need is public information, public confidence and above all transparency in the way the system works, because there's a lot of misunderstanding of how the criminal justice system works," he added.
Senior judges will be consulted on plans to open up courtrooms to cameras before any final decisions are taken.
Peter Lodder QC, chairman of the Bar Council, said the legal establishment was not "hostile" to the idea, but that justice would be impeded if televising court cases prevented witnesses from giving evidence.
Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer has previously backed the idea, saying it would allow the public to "see justice".
But there were early signs of opposition amid concerns that court proceedings will become nothing more than entertainment. OJ Simpson's trial in America is often highlighted as an example.
Tory MP Roger Gale warned: "This is not about transparency or democracy, it is about television showbusiness and we do not need our law courts to be turned into yet another 'reality' TV show."
