Open Court
/ˈoʊpən kɔːrt/
Definitions
- (n.) A courtroom session held publicly, where judicial proceedings and evidence presentation are accessible to the public and the press.
The trial was conducted in open court to ensure transparency.
- (adj.) Describing a proceeding or hearing held publicly rather than in private or in chambers.
The judge announced that the hearing would be conducted in open court.
Related terms
Commentary
'Open court' denotes public accessibility fundamental to judicial transparency and due process, often contrasted with 'closed court' sessions held privately.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.