What do courts effectively manage through section 4 of the COCA 1981?

Section 4 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 (COCA) primarily addresses the issue of reporting restrictions that may be imposed in connection with ongoing court cases. This section allows courts to manage the publication of reports regarding connected hearings to ensure that the legal proceedings are not prejudiced. By controlling what can be published about a case before it concludes, courts aim to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and protect the rights of defendants or any parties involved, ensuring a fair trial.

The ability to impose such regulations is critical when there are concerns that public comments or media coverage might influence jurors or public opinion, thereby impacting the outcome of the case. When it comes to the other options, while they relate to the broader context of legal processes, they do not align specifically with the function and purpose of Section 4, which is focused on the management of reporting around court proceedings. Thus, recognizing the role that Section 4 plays in safeguarding the judicial process highlights its importance in maintaining justice and fairness in legal proceedings.