By Kumba Leigh
Legal and media experts have called on journalists to deepen their understanding of court processes and ethical standards when reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), stressing that accurate language and survivor protection are essential to responsible journalism.
Speaking during a refresher training for journalists, Ms Yassin Senghore, Vice President of the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG), emphasised the importance of distinguishing between civil and criminal cases, a foundational concept she said many reporters overlook.
She explained that criminal cases are prosecuted by the state, with the police or state attorneys acting on behalf of the public in matters such as murder, theft or corruption. Civil cases, on the other hand, involve disputes between individuals, institutions, or organisations, though the state may sometimes be a party. “Plaintiffs exist only in civil cases,” she noted, urging journalists to be precise with legal terminology to avoid misleading the public.
Ms Senghore warned that court reporting demands more than note-taking. “A journalist cannot effectively report from court without understanding legal terminology and context,” she said, adding that reporters must be familiar with the different court structures, their jurisdictions, and how proceedings vary.
She highlighted the distinction between trial and appellate courts. Trial courts hear evidence from witnesses, determine facts, and deliver judgments. Appellate courts, however, review decisions of lower courts, focusing on legal or procedural errors rather than hearing new evidence. Understanding these differences, she stressed, is key to accurate reporting.
She also urged reporters to correctly identify courtroom actors, judges, lawyers, parties, and witnesses, and to adopt neutral legal phrasing such as “the plaintiff argued,” “the defense submitted,” or “counsel for the respondent stated.” Such distinctions are especially important when reporting on higher court rulings, where judgments often separate legal arguments from established facts.
Complementing the legal perspective, advocate Fatou Baldeh, Founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership underscored the need to place survivors at the center of SGBV reporting without causing further harm.
Journalist and media trainer Muhammed S. Bah reinforced the call for ethical vigilance, particularly when covering cases involving minors, survivors, and vulnerable individuals. He noted that careful, responsible reporting not only protects those involved but also strengthens public trust in journalism.
Mr Bah urged journalists to consistently reflect on the Cherno Jallow Code of Conduct as a guiding framework for professional integrity, especially when reporting on sensitive court matters.
Emmanuel Michaud, Child Protection Manager at UNICEF, speaking on behalf of the UNICEF Representative and the training sponsors, commended the initiative, describing it as both important and timely. He emphasised that reporting on issues involving minors carries profound responsibility and urged journalists to apply the knowledge gained to ensure more ethical, informed, and protective coverage of children’s issues.
