My contribution to the Government website with suggestions for opening up data is here. Probably not quite what they had in mind…

Describe your idea. How does it work and who does it help?

It’s vital in an open society that all citizens should be able to access and follow the proceedings of our courts. That access is mediated by reporters, and limited by space.

Currently, you can search transcripts from the Old Bailey from the 18C for free online, but you have to formally request and then pay a subcontractor for access to transcripts from the 21C.

Daily transcripts would provide a level of transparency and authority on court proceedings that would enable the public to see for themselves how decisions are made and increase transparency and public understanding of the process of justice.

What information or services do you need?

Access to the electronic transcripts kept in courts.