Tweet away, UK court reporters told

Journalists and legal commentators no longer have to make an application for permission to Twitter, text or email from court in England and Wales, the Lord Chief Justice announced today.

As he handed down new guidance on using laptops and hand-held devices to communicate directly from courts in England and Wales, Lord Judge told reporters present: “Twitter as much as you like from today.”

But he warned that permission to use live, text-based communications from court may be withdrawn “at any time” if it appeared to be interfering with the administration of justice.

Interim guidance was first issued on December 20 2010, under which journalists had to make an application to a judge to request permission to use electronic devices to send text.

Lord Judge then consulted widely on the issue, including with the UK media, the Secretary of State for Justice, the Attorney General and members of the public.

After considering those responses, he today published the new guidance, which takes immediate effect.

It makes clear that there is no longer any need for representatives of the media and legal commentators to make an application to use text-based devices to communicate from court.

But members of the public will have to make an application if they want to use the devices.