Trials: Social Media
Commons · Question 106496 · Tabled 19 Jan 2026 · Attorney General · Official record
Answered 27 Jan 2026
Question
Asked by Mark Pritchard
To ask the Solicitor General, what steps she is taking to support the prosecution of (a) individuals who post comments online about defendants prior to trial which could prejudice legal proceedings, and (b) the tech platforms on which those comments are p
Answer
Answered by Ellie Reeves, 27 Jan 2026
The Contempt of Court Act 1981 is clear that publishing information that creates a substantial risk of serious prejudice or impediment to any active proceedings can be contempt of court. These rules and restrictions are in place to ensure that trials are ...