Field Fisher Waterhouse has assisted the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal Service in the drafting and negotiation of the historic agreement to allow broadcasts from the Court of Appeal from 31st October 2013.

The agreement provides for a number of safeguards, including a time-delay system operated by a specialist video journalist, restrictions on filming and the use to which the footage may be put.

Lawyers' arguments and judges' comments can appear but defendants, witnesses and victims will not be shown. Field Fisher Waterhouse advised on all aspects of these negotiations.

Field Fisher Waterhouse media partner Barry Smith provided specialist advice to the in-house team at the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal Service. The agreement grants broadcasting rights to SKY, the BBC, ITN and the Press Association.

Barry Smith commented: "It was a privilege to be involved in such a landmark arrangement."