It's an interesting step for a country that isn't exactly known for transparency.

In China, some court cases will now be streamed on the internet for the public to view across the country. The Chinese government isn't exactly known for transparency, but this is certainly a step in that direction. As you might expect, not all cases will be aired. The BBC reports "sensitive trials," like those of human rights activists, may be among the topics excluded from the program.

Those court proceedings that are available for streaming can be accessed via a dedicated website. Users simply log on to see a list of cases currently airing across the country. Topics range from drug trafficking to trademark disputes, divorce and murder cases and some of the proceedings can be streamed live as they happen.

Back in August, a New Zealand court announced that it would livestream court proceedings for the first time. Kim Dotcom's lawyers successfully argued that due to "public interest" in the case, the Megaupload founder's extradition hearings should be broadcast to YouTube. The two sides eventually settled on a 20-minute delay to allow for the removal of any suppressed evidence.

Source:
courtesy of ENGADGET

by Billy Steele , @wmsteele

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