Individual judges must decide whether Twitter can be used to cover court cases, according to the Federal Court.
The method of reporting was made known to the court two weeks ago, when two journalists from ZDNet.com.au and The Australian both used the service to cover a case between iiNet and the entertainment industry.
The judge presiding over the case, Justice Cowdroy, was aware of the activity but ruled it could be allowed.
“On the basis that Twittering does not distract or interfere with the conduct of my court, I personally have no objection to its use,” he told The Australian.
“I believe that the public has a legitimate right to be fully informed of proceedings, particularly proceedings such as (the iiNet case) which have attracted considerable public interest. Twittering can serve to inform the public in a more speedy and comprehensive manner than may be possible through traditional media coverage.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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