The use of suppression orders by courts to stop publication of the sensitive details of legal proceedings has grown rapidly in recent years – especially in Victoria.

The courts argue the orders are essential to ensure justice is done and witnesses are protected. Many in the media, and in the wider community, believe they are being used too readily and too often – to the detriment of an open justice system.

An expert panel discussed the issue at  our 9 July lunch.

Justice Simon Whelan – Victorian Appeal Court judge and original Coodabeen Champion

The Hon. Phillip Cummins – chairman of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and former Supreme Court judge

Michael Bachelard – Investigations Editor of The Age Guest moderator

Peter Bartlett – Minter Ellison partner and leading defamation lawyer.