In open court

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In open court means an appearance by a party, or his or her attorney, in a public court session, as distinguished from a meeting in the judge's chambers.^[1] Normally, the public may be present at trials, hearings and similar routine matters.^[2] In the United States, the Constitution guarantees criminal defendants the right to a "public and speedy trial" under the Sixth and the Fourteenth Amendments.^[3] The Sixth Amendment also grants the defendant the right to appear on his or her own behalf.^[4]

Many courts dealing with children or minors, isuch as Surrogate's Court, Probate Court, Family court, Juvenile Court, or Widow's and Orphan's Court^[5], do not normally hold court sessions in open court.^{[citation needed]}