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A public trial is open to the public and can be observed by anyone, while closed trials are only open to those involved. In some countries, a public trial is considered a human right. There are restrictions on who can participate and disruptive behavior is not allowed. Judges may close a trial in certain situations, but must show clear cause. People may need to reserve seats and confirm trial details in advance.
A public trial is a legal process held in a court that is open to the public. Anyone can walk into such a process and observe, assuming there is room in the court and people can follow information about the court proceedings in the media. In some cases, such trials may be broadcast if there is intense public interest and there are concerns about accommodating all viewers. This is in contrast to a closed process, where proceedings are only open to the people involved.
In some regions of the world, a public trial is considered a human right. In the United States, for example, the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution includes a clause stating that people have the right to a public trial. In other countries, people may be subject to closed trials. The term “public trial” has also become associated in some countries with a show or show trial, where the pleadings are publicized but it is clear to all that the trial is being conducted for show, not with the aim of proving the facts in a case.
There are some restrictions on who can participate in a public trial. People on the witness list are usually not admitted to the courtroom until they have testified, out of concern that they might alter their testimony or be influenced by other witnesses. People are also expected to behave respectfully during a public trial. Weapons are not allowed in court and people causing disturbances, such as people disrupting proceedings or attempting to intimidate witnesses, can be escorted out of court on a judge’s order. People who disrupt processes can also be charged and subject to fines.
Judges may also decide to allow the court in certain situations. Rape trials are often closed due to concerns about decency and privacy for the victim. If there is a credible threat to one or more parties to the trial, the court may also be closed and the juvenile cases tried in closed sessions for privacy reasons. When judges want to clear the court or close a trial entirely, they need to be able to show clear cause. Failure to comply may be considered a violation of the defendant’s legal rights and could result in a mistrial.
Because there is often intense public interest in a trial, people may be required to reserve seats at the trial if they wish to attend, and blocks of seats may be held for certain parties, such as the defendant’s family. People wishing to attend a public trial should contact the court in advance to find out about any restrictions and confirm the date, time and place of the trial so that they are in the right place.
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