Newsrooms and the Law: Protecting Fair Trials, Open Courts, and Responsible Reporting

Purpose
NetNewsLedger is committed to strong court reporting that serves the public interest while protecting the integrity of the justice system. We balance freedom of expression and the public’s right to know with an accused person’s right to a fair trial.

The Right to a Fair Trial

NetNewsLedger avoids publishing material that could jeopardize a fair trial. At the same time, we recognize that court and police matters are central to public accountability and must be reported accurately and responsibly.

At the time of arrest

• It is generally in the public interest to publish relevant, fair information about an accused person.

• Reporting the police theory of the case, alleged motive (when clearly attributed), and relevant background may be justified at this stage when handled carefully.

• We may livestream police news conferences when the public interest is strong. However, we avoid amplifying highly prejudicial claims (such as declarations of guilt) in follow-up reporting unless and until they are tested in court.

As trial approaches

• New information is typically less risky earlier in the court process; the closer a trial date, the more carefully we weigh public interest vs. prejudice.

• NetNewsledger do not publish content that states or implies the accused is guilty. Language must remain clear: “alleged,” “charged,” “accused,” and similar terms must be used correctly.

Bad character and incriminating statements

• Negative or prejudicial statements about an accused should be published only when they are well-founded, verifiable, and there is a compelling public interest.

• Just before or during trial, we must not publish incriminating statements (including from police) or “bad character” material until it is entered as evidence in court, to avoid risking a mistrial or contempt of court.

Confessions

• NetNewsLedger does not report that an accused has confessed unless the confession has been ruled admissible and entered into evidence in court.

Naming the Accused, Witnesses, and Victims

Accused persons

• NetNewsLedger normally reports the names of people charged with criminal offences unless a legal ban or a clear ethical reason applies.

• When possible, we distinguish individuals with common names by including non-sensational identifiers such as age, occupation, and general place of residence.

Trials and adult participants

• In the absence of a publication ban, NetNewsLedger generally considers it in the public interest to publish the names of adult parties in a trial, including witnesses and victims—except where doing so would identify victims of sexual assault or otherwise cause undue harm without clear public benefit.

Requests to withhold names

• NetNewsLedger does not agree to requests to withhold names when no ban exists, except in exceptional circumstances and only with approval from senior editors.

Trial Coverage and Updating Charge Reports

Fair, complete coverage

• Court reporting must be fair and accurate. When one side makes a significant claim, we should make every effort to report meaningful cross-examination, rebuttal evidence, or contradictory testimony.

Juror contact

• NetNewsLedger Journalists must never speak with jurors about a case before the trial concludes.

• After trial, jurors may be interviewed, but they cannot legally discuss jury deliberations or how they reached a verdict.

Dropped charges and acquittals

• When we learn that charges were withdrawn, stayed, dismissed, or that the accused was acquitted, NetNewsLedger will report that promptly.

• Digital stories about charges will be updated with a prominent note at the top stating the outcome.

Publication Bans

• Publication bans are often routine in bail hearings, preliminary inquiries, and certain pre-trial motions. NetNewsLedger supports open courts but strictly complies with all court-ordered bans.

• If a court imposes an extraordinary ban that goes beyond routine restrictions, NetNewsLedger may oppose it when senior editorial leadership determines that challenging it is in the public interest.

Victims of Crime

NetNewsLedger staff must treat victims of crime and their families with sensitivity.

• NetNewsLedger reporters will not harass victims or relatives for information, identities, or photos.

• All reporters will identify themselves clearly.

• NetNewsLedger Reporters will not use deception.

Children and Victims of Alleged Sexual Assault

Sexual assault complainants/victims

• NetNewsLedger does not publish the names of victims/complainants of alleged sexual assault, or information that could identify them, unless:

  • the person clearly agrees to be identified, and

  • senior editors determine identification serves the public interest.

Youth accused (under 18)

• NetNewsLedger does not publish any identifying information about a person under 18 charged with a crime, consistent with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Underage victims and youth matters

• Where the law restricts identifying under-18 victims or witnesses (including cases where the accused is also under 18), senior editors must be consulted before publication of any potentially identifying details.

Child Protection Cases

Because of statutory restrictions, NetNewsLedger does not publish any information that identifies:

• a child involved in a child protection proceeding (as witness, subject, or participant), or

• their parents, foster parents, or family members, where identification could reveal the child.

Civil Actions

• Pleadings in civil lawsuits (statements of claim/defence) may be reportable under legal privilege, but reporting must still be fair and responsible.

• We make every effort to contact the other side for comment. If they decline or cannot be reached, that must be stated prominently.

• We must clearly note when allegations have not been proven in court.

Search Warrants and Subpoenas

NetNewsLedger collects information to publish—not to assist police, defence counsel, or civil litigants.

• Any request from police or lawyers for assistance must be reported to senior editors.

• If police attempt to execute a search warrant on the newsroom or a staff member, or if a subpoena is served, senior editors and legal counsel must be notified immediately.

• Journalists protect confidential sources and must store sensitive information securely and thoughtfully.

Crime Scenes

• NetNewsLedger Staff may report or photograph at crime scenes as long as they do not obstruct police/fire services or interfere with official activity.

• NetNewsLedger Staff are required to identify themselves and must remain professional, and comply with lawful directions about safety and access.

• Police do not have the right to confiscate notes or equipment. If asked, NetNewsLedger Staff must refuse and immediately contact a senior editor.

Confidential Documents and Conversations

Senior editors and legal counsel must be consulted before publishing stories involving confidential documents, especially where documents may have been obtained unlawfully.

Breaking the Law While Reporting

NetNewsLedger Staff must obey the law while pursuing stories.

• In extremely rare cases, unlawful conduct may appear to be the only way to obtain information of significant public interest. Since 2007 there has never been an instance of any staff obtaining any information unlawfully.

• Such actions require advance approval from the most senior editors and must meet a very high public-interest threshold.

Libel and Defamation

Libel is harm to reputation through words, images, or other publication. Defamation risk is highest in stories alleging crime, fraud, dishonesty, or immoral/unprofessional conduct.

Core standards

• The strongest defence is truth—so accuracy matters most.

• Where truth is not fully accessible, Canadian law recognizes defences such as responsible communication in the public interest, which requires reasonable steps to ensure fairness and accuracy.

• Reporting must reflect all sides fairly. People facing serious criticism or allegations must be given a reasonable opportunity to respond.

Documents and sources

• Represent documents honestly—no cherry-picking or distortion.

• Be cautious with sources who have motives or personal grievances; verify independently where possible.

• When reporting privileged proceedings (courts, legislatures, councils, public meetings), ensure the report is accurate and distinguishes privileged statements from non-privileged commentary outside the proceeding.

Reporting defamatory allegations (“reportage”)
Where it is in the public interest to report that allegations were made, NetNewsLedger may do so only if:

• allegations are properly attributed,

• we make clear the allegations are unproven,

• coverage is fair and includes meaningful context and responses.

Libel Notices

If a libel notice is served:

• Record the time and method of service.

• Notify senior editors immediately and distribute to leadership, legal counsel, and relevant staff.

• Prepare an internal report quickly to assess correction/retraction needs.

• Where a correction or retraction is warranted, it should be published prominently as soon as possible.

Published December 28 2025