Prime Minister David Cameron is soon to make a crime speech in which he will announce his support for plans to allow television cameras into court rooms.
Despite a consultation between the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary having not yet taken place, the PM's speech will expedite the plans to have "limited" coverage of trials such as the sentencing remarks of judges.
Broadcasters such as Sky News have long been pushing for more access to court proceedings, since currently cameras are banned from all courts in England and Wales except for the Supreme Court, where for the past two years cameras have been permitted.
The head of Sky News, John Ryley, has written an open letter to Justice Secretary Ken Clarke in which he explains the need for transparency in public services.
He wrote: "The public is unsurprisingly confused by the discrepancies in some of the sentences handed down to those involved in the rioting and looting.
"I believe that if television cameras were allowed to broadcast the remarks made by judges when they pass sentence, it would go a long way to making the process more transparent and would dramatically improve public confidence in the system."
In the wake of the riots that affected many cities in the UK, Number 10 Downing Street is keen to revise its agenda on law on order and it is thought that the PM will address these issues in a statement in Parliament later.
Speaking of the plans to televise court verdicts, a Downing Street spokesman said: "We are considering proposals put forward by broadcasters to allow limited recording and transmission from courts in specific circumstances. However, before any firm proposals are developed, the Lord Chancellor will wish to consult on the principle of broadcasting from court with the senior judiciary."
Critics of the plans believe that justice will be turned into a reality show or prime-time entertainment, as the OJ Simpson trial did in America.
Other critics are concerned that showing parts of trials taken out of context could have repercussions.
Charles Harris, last year's president of the Council of Circuit Judges, said: "A trial is actually an entity of various parts, and you can't legitimately split it up into bits and pieces.
"What about a defendant who doesn't agree to [filming], is sentenced in the full light of publicity and then appeals and is acquitted?"
Cameras, including video cameras, were banned from courts in 1925 by section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act.
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