GJU Legal Media Handbook to Enhance Court Reporting
The handbook aims to elevate the quality of court reporting in Malawi and empower journalists to accurately cover legal matters.
Lilongwe, Malawi - The Gender and Justice Unit (GJU), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and social justice through legal empowerment, will launch the "Legal Media Handbook" on October 25, 2023 in Lilongwe, writes Winston Mwale.
The handbook aims to elevate the quality of court reporting in Malawi and empower journalists to accurately cover legal matters.
The GJU, which employs various strategies such as strategic litigation, legal research, and advocacy to promote gender equality and social justice, believes that legal empowerment is a powerful catalyst for positive change.
To address legal information scarcity within the public domain, the GJU, in collaboration with Malawi Legal Information Institute (MalawiLII), the African Legal Information Institute, Laws.Africa, and ZambiaLII, is implementing a two-year project named "Digitising and Disseminating Legal Information for an Empowered Civil Society in Malawi and Zambia."
Recognizing the essential role of media in disseminating legal information to the public, the GJU has developed the Legal Media Handbook.
The handbook serves as a valuable resource for journalists, helping them understand legal concepts, court processes, and etiquette for improved court reporting.
By providing journalists with the information and resources they need to cover court cases effectively, the handbook plays a vital role in enhancing access to legal information.
Access to information is a fundamental right that empowers citizens to engage fully in public life.
The handbook equips journalists with the knowledge required to report on legal proceedings accurately and responsibly.
It also guides them on how to navigate the court system in Malawi.
The launch of the Legal Media Handbook on October 25, 2023, is a significant step in raising the standards of court reporting in Malawi.
It is expected to empower journalists, ultimately benefiting society by improving access to legal information and enhancing the quality of legal reporting.