Hearing of cases - the 'in camera' rule

Family law cases are heard in private (in camera) to protect the privacy of the family. Only officers of the court, the parties to the case and their legal representatives, witnesses and such other people as the judge allows will be in the courtroom while the case is being heard.

Section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act, 2004 allows solicitors, barristers, and certain other categories of people approved by the Minister for Justice and Equality to attend family law cases and publish reports. Part 2 (Sections 3 to 12) of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2013 allows bona fide representatives of the Press attend family law cases (subject to the right of the judge to exclude any such representatives) and to publish reports.  The publication of reports of family law cases is allowed under these Acts on the strict condition that no names, addresses or any other details which might identify the parties can be used.

Keith Walsh writes - this information comes courtesy of the Courts Service and I have included it here as it is very useful information for anyone going through a divorce in Ireland or a separation or dealing with child law cases such as maintenance, access or child custody issues. 

For more information please contact Keith Walsh keith@kwsols.ie, 01 455 4723