“Open court” refers to legal proceedings that are conducted in a public setting where members of the public and the media are allowed to attend and observe the proceedings. Open court hearings promote transparency and accountability in the justice system by allowing the public to witness the administration of justice first-hand. In open court, judges, attorneys, witnesses, and parties to the case present evidence, arguments, and testimony, and decisions are made based on the principles of fairness and impartiality. Certain exceptions may exist, such as cases involving sensitive information or minors, where the court may restrict public access to protect privacy or maintain order.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/open-court/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Open Court. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. April 18, 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/open-court/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Open Court. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/open-court/ (accessed: April 18, 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Open Court. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/open-court/