Which court decided it?

Supreme Court in 2010. Neutral citation: [2010] UKSC 1.

Why does it matter for UK journalists?

Open justice presumption applies vigorously to identity of persons named in judicial orders. Article 10 press freedom and public interest in reporting were substantially engaged. Article 8 interests of the individuals did not outweigh open justice in the circumstances.

In re Guardian News and Media Ltd

[2010] UKSC 1 — Supreme Court, 2010

Last reviewed: 14 July 2026Next review due: 14 January 2027

What the court held

The Supreme Court lifted anonymity orders that had shielded the identities of individuals subject to asset-freezing orders under the Terrorism (United Nations Measures) Order 2006. Held that the presumption of open justice was strong and required specific justification to displace.

Key rulings

Open justice presumption applies vigorously to identity of persons named in judicial orders.
Article 10 press freedom and public interest in reporting were substantially engaged.
Article 8 interests of the individuals did not outweigh open justice in the circumstances.

Topics

Open justiceReporting restrictionsArticle 10 ECHR

Acts cited

Human Rights Act 1998

Authoritative source

Read the full judgment on BAILII (British and Irish Legal Information Institute):

https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKSC/2010/1.html

Related landmark cases

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Case summaries are drafted by UK JournoHub Editorial for practising UK journalists. They are not legal advice. Always consult primary sources and, for high-risk stories, take specialist legal advice.