One official family law reporter won’t be able to change the basic story

THERE has been widespread welcome for the appointment of journalist Carol Coulter by the Courts Service as its first-ever family law reporter.

However, if people think this development will improve the public’s understanding of what happens in family courts, or bring about greater consistency in decision-making, they are likely to be disappointed.

The sheer scale of family law activity at all court levels throughout the country means that one reporter can only cover a tiny percentage of all cases.