Principle of open justice

Whatever [the media’s] motives in reporting, their opportunity to do so arises out of a principle that is fundamental to our society and method of government: except in extraordinary circumstances, the courts of the land are open to the public. This principle arises out of the belief that exposure to public scrutiny is the surest safeguard against any risk of the courts abusing their considerable powers. As few members of the public have the time, or even the inclination, to attend courts in person, in a practical sense this principle demands that the media be free to report what goes on in them: R v Davis (1995) 57 FCR 512 at 514.

Lots more at Source

I understand that it’s tragic that some innocent people are destroyed either directly or indirectly by the justice system. Lindy Chamberlain anyone? Hell, people have been hanged and later proven innocent. And the media in general sucks.

But I think the alternative to open justice would end up being a lot worse.