The trial of the editors and others involved in the hacking of private phones by representatives of the media has just begun in London. The trial, which involves eight journalists and associates, is likely to last some six months and to cost millions of pounds in fees to lawyers.
The trial stems from evidence given in the recent yearlong inquiry into media scandals, which was chaired by Lord Justice Leveson. All the accused except one were employees of the Murdoch media empire.
The accusations against those being tried include conspiracy to undertake illegal hacking of private phones, unlawful payments to officials for confidential information, and concealment and destruction of evidence.