Abstract

Chris Blackhurst, editor of The Independent, will examine whether a judicial inquiry into the ethics of the Press is the correct response to the hacking scandal. Currently, there are 13 different bodies looking into hacking and journalistic ethics. But this excludes the most pertinent forum of all: the criminal court. While the Police investigation continues, how was the legal process so easily by-passed for so long? What signals should that send to other areas of society? But is Leveson the right approach? By focusing on an entire industry, not just those accused of hacking, is Leveson in danger of curbing journalism in the public interest – a vital ingredient in a democracy where freedom of the Press is sacrosanct?

Contact Mary Richmond, events@trinhall.cam.ac.uk or 01223 332555 to book.