Reporters who cover court cases have been given the assurance by Justice Minister A.J. Nicholson that his ministry recognises the importance of accommodating journalists in the nation's courts.

Senator Nicholson, who is also the Attorney-General, and his Permanent Secretary Carol Palmer will on Monday meet with President of the Press Association of Jamaica, Desmond Richards, and other journalists, to iron out matters concerning the coverage of court proceedings.

Journalists hampered

In the past two weeks, journalists have complained that they have been ordered to sit at the back during hearings, severely hampered them in recording the proceedings at Corporate Area courts.

Senator Nicholson told The Gleaner there were challenges and noted that the smaller courts were not built to house the number of persons they were now accommodating.

Monday's meeting will provide an opportunity for journalists to discuss their concerns with the minister and to clarify the circumstances, which have led to the perceived slight of these reporters.

The Justice Minister said the blueprint for the new courts being constructed under the Justice System Reform Programme would create space for witnesses, the press, victims and the jury.