What is the Leveson Inquiry?

What is the Leveson Inquiry?

It is a judge-led inquiry set up by Prime Minister David Cameron to examine the culture, practice and ethics of the press.

It was established in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal at the now-defunct News of the World tabloid.

Lord Justice Leveson will make recommendations on the future of press regulation.

What is it covering?

The inquiry has two parts. The first has examined the press's relationships with the public, police, and politicians.

It has considered the effectiveness of the current system of regulation and whether there was a failure to act upon any previous warnings about media misconduct.

The second phase of the inquiry will look at the extent of unlawful or improper conduct within News International - once all legal proceedings are completed.

How has it been conducted?

Witnesses during eight months of hearings included alleged victims of press intrusion, journalists, newspaper executives and proprietors, police, communications advisers and politicians.

They were called to give evidence under oath at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London. Legally, they could have been compelled to attend.

In some cases, specific evidence about phone-hacking allegations was not heard, to avoid prejudicing ongoing criminal investigations.

How much has it cost?

Costs are published on a quarterly basis. From its inception in mid-July 2011 to 31 March 2012, the inquiry cost a total of £2,840,800.

Lord Justice (Sir Brian) Leveson became a barrister in 1970 and a QC 16 years later.Who is Lord Justice Leveson?

He was made a High Court judge in 2000 and appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2006. As chairman of the Sentencing Council, he is responsible for criminal sentencing policy in England and Wales.

Lord Justice Leveson led the prosecution case against serial killer Rose West, who was jailed in 1995 for the murder of 10 women and girls, and was the judge during the 2006 trial over the killing of 10-year-old London schoolboy Damilola Taylor.

What happens next?

A report on phase one of the inquiry is due by the end of 2012, although more witnesses could be called if Lord Justice Leveson feels they are needed.

He will make recommendations on the future regulation of the press and conduct between the press, politicians and police.

The second stage, examining any unlawful conduct at News International, will begin once all legal proceedings are completed.

It will consider the implications of that conduct on the relationships between newspaper organisations and the police, prosecuting authorities, and relevant regulatory bodies. It will also examine the way police investigated allegations relating to the company.