The guide sets out the rights and responsibilities of court reporters and lists the ways in which journalists can access the information they need to report on courts and tribunals accurately, fairly and in a timely manner.

The document has been published as part of SCTS’s commitment to open justice and is one of a raft of measures being introduced to support the principle.

The Lord President, Lord Pentland, said: “Openness and transparency are extremely important principles within our justice system. The public have a right to know what happens in their courts and the media play a very important role in that by regularly watching and reporting on proceedings.

“It is well known that the number of court reporters is in decline and the instantaneous nature of today’s news means that journalists are facing increasingly tight deadlines. That’s why SCTS has developed a guide with clear and concise advice on the information available at different stages in proceedings.

“We want to work in partnership with the media to ensure that open justice is realised, and I hope the guide will assist reporters to do their job quickly and effectively, ensuring that justice continues to be seen to be done.”

SCTS hosted an event on open justice earlier this year, with various justice partners and members of the media in attendance. The Reporters’ Guide is just one strand of work to come from that event, with others including the expansion of livestreaming in the courts and the enhancement of the current Media Portal which provides case details for reporters.

The guide will be circulated to court staff and members of the judiciary, and is complimentary to the existing media guide for SCTS staff.