We are glad to read in the Times of Thursday
a leading article strongly supporting the recommendations of the Divorce Commissioners as to the reporting of divorce cases. We are well aware that the dread of publicity is a deterrent, but on the other hand the harm done to young persons by the " serial-story " treatment of divorce cases in some papers is said by competent witnesses to be incalculable. As usual in such circumstances a compromise is the proper solution. The right of publicity, as the Commissioners recommend, should be generally maintained, but Judges should be able to prohibit the publication of certain passages on pain of the customary penalties for contempt of court, and publication of a report should always be withheld till a case is finished. We notice that the Times itself, although it has not drawn attention to the fact or claimed any credit, has already begun to withhold reports till the cases are finished. When we remember that the Times has a reputation to maintain for the best legal reports in the Press, we must acknowledge the courage and high-mindedness of this policy, and we beg to offer our congratulations.
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