Legal Definitions - closed court

A closed court refers to a legal proceeding or a court session that is not open to the general public. While historically, this term could describe a court where only specific legal professionals were permitted to practice, in modern usage, it primarily means that the public, including the media, is excluded from observing the proceedings. This exclusion is typically ordered by a judge to protect sensitive information, ensure the safety or privacy of participants, or safeguard the rights of vulnerable individuals, such as minors.

• Example 1: Child Protection Hearing
  Imagine a family court case involving allegations of child abuse and neglect. The judge presiding over the matter might declare it a closed court. This means that only the parties directly involved in the case (the parents, their lawyers, social workers, and court staff) are allowed in the courtroom. The public and news reporters are excluded to protect the privacy and emotional well-being of the child, preventing sensitive and potentially traumatic details from becoming public knowledge.

• Example 2: National Security Trial
  Consider a high-profile criminal trial where a defendant is accused of espionage or leaking classified government information. During certain parts of the proceedings, particularly when highly sensitive intelligence or national security secrets are being discussed, the judge might order a closed court. This measure is taken to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of classified information that could compromise national security or endanger intelligence operations if it were to become public.

• Example 3: Juvenile Delinquency Case
  In many jurisdictions, when a minor is accused of a crime, the hearings in juvenile court are conducted as a closed court. For instance, if a teenager is facing charges for shoplifting or vandalism, the court proceedings would not be open to the general public. This practice aims to protect the identity and future of the young person, focusing on rehabilitation rather than public shaming, and to ensure that the minor's record does not unnecessarily hinder their opportunities later in life.