Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates' Courts Act 1978

81 Persons who may be present during hearing of domestic proceedings

(1) For subsection (2) of section 57 of the [1952 c. 55.] Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 there shall be substituted the following subsection—

“(2) In the case of domestic proceedings in a magistrates' court other than proceedings under the Adoption Act 1976, no person shall be present during the hearing and determination by the court of the proceedings except—

(a) officers of the court;

(b) parties to the case before the court, their solicitors and counsel, witnesses and other persons directly concerned in the case ;

(c) representatives of newspapers or news agencies;

(d) any other person whom the court may in its discretion permit to be present, so, however, that permission shall not be withheld from a person who appears to the court to have adequate grounds for attendance.”.

(2) After subsection (2) of section 57 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 there shall be inserted the following subsections—

“(2A) In relation to any domestic proceedings under the Adoption Act 1976, subsection (2) of this section shall apply with the omission of paragraphs (c) and (d).

(2B) Until the coming into operation of the Adoption Act 1976 this section shall have effect as if for any reference to that Act there were substituted a reference to the [1958 c. 5 (7 & 8 Eliz. 2).] Adoption Act 1958, the [1960 c. 59.] Adoption Act 1960 and Part I of the [1975 c. 72.] Children Act 1975.”.