THE Government is being urged by MPs to throw open family court proceedings to the Press and public.
They said this would help to restore confidence in the system.
A report from the Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee said opening up the hearings would help dispel claims of bias by the courts, which deal with issues such as the custody of children when their parents divorce.
Family court hearings are normally held in camera to protect the privacy of those involved.
But after high-profile campaigns by groups such as Fathers4Justice attacking the way the courts operate, ministers acknowledge there is a need for greater openness.
The committee welcomed the Government's willingness to consult on the issue.
The Department for Constitutional Affairs is expected to publish a consultation paper before MPs break for their summer holiday next month.
The committee said there would have to appropriate restrictions on what the Press could report.
Also, judges should still have the power to exclude the public in order to protect children.
The committee also called for the greater use of mediation in divorce or separation proceedings, so that fewer cases end up in court.
