Lord Judge handed down revised guidance on the use of electronic communications, in December.

His guidance states: “It is presumed that a representative of the media or a legal commentator using live, text-based communications from court does not pose a danger of interference to the proper administration of justice in the individual case.

“This is because the most obvious purpose of permitting the use of live, text-based communications would be to enable the media to produce fair and accurate reports of the proceedings. As such, a representative of the media or a legal commentator who wishes to use live, text-based communications from court may do so without making an application to the court.”

Judges will continue to have discretion to ban text-based communications from their courtroom.

The “paramount question” will be whether these might interfere with the administration of justice, for example, where there is a risk witnesses outside the courtroom learn what is being said in court before they give evidence, or where witnesses are likely to find instant messaging off-putting.

Ordinary members of the public may also be allowed to tweet, text and email, but must ask permission first.