Introduction

[See Section 3 of the Code] 

Many programmes, including the news, feature or deal with criminals and/or criminal behaviour in one way or another. It is a regular feature of popular drama and can crop up in a variety of ways in virtually any factual programme.

Programmes dealing with or touching upon criminal behaviour need to be handled with care and are likely to require advice from the programme lawyer from an early stage.

Below is a summary of the regulatory rules in relation to dealing with crime in programmes. This should be read in conjunction with 'Contempt and Reporting Legal Proceedings' and 'Programmes Involving Criminal Activity'.