From the peace of a poolside lounge to the tricks of the trade when it comes to court, finding ways to unwind can be a process. While you can spend time with your loved ones and enjoy the sunshine out in the open, legal matters may be much more complex, but they don’t need to be confusing. By taking the time to learn about where you stand in a legal matter, you can set your mind at ease, the same way you would with a patio chair right next to your new Sunflower Pool and Patio (more info on that here).
In this article, we will be covering legal terms used often in courtrooms and what you need to know about them. The first is the idea of in camera, in which the court actually closes all outside means of observation or publicity on a trial or hearing, for a certain period of time.
The term ‘in camera’ (from the Latin ‘in chambers’) in legal terminology references situations when hearings or parts thereof are held in a judge’s chambers, instead of the court itself. Since this term is frequently used in the realm of family law, in camera is often referenced in custodial or visitation hearings regarding children. Some situations where a case could be in camera include divorce or guardianship, but this depends largely on how the case progresses and what the judge decides is appropriate to handle in such a manner.
In many cases, the presiding judge will decide that it is in the best interest of the child (or children) involved, to suppress courtroom spectators. This occurs due to the nature of the topic being discussed, often entailing private matters between individuals. An example of this would be the aforementioned cases, along with adoption cases, where solutions and future actions, resolution of legal problems are discussed.
When it comes to the prevention of publicity for certain matters, it’s important to consider the fact that these proceedings can be invisible to the public, and important for you and your attorney to discuss. With targeted guidance from a lawyer, you can move forward knowing that their knowledge will benefit your case and educate you, as needed, along the way. Remember, they went through years of school to learn everything about the field of law; you can learn from them and make your experience much more convenient.
This context of privacy from the outside world is similar to the benefits of having a private pool in your backyard. By investing in a space that holds significant value for you, you can turn to your yard as a retreat destination to unwind and enjoy your time off. Like a home pool, your private spaces around the house are just as crucial to your mental state and wellbeing.
Public misconception is a major theme with in camera. Many people do not realize or know that in camera sessions exist, and some might even use it to justify that the judicial system is hiding information from the outside world. The reality is that these sessions are meant to ensure privacy to the parties involved in the case and the judge needs also have the right to protect context and preserve the integrity of a case. There are also instances where the availability of witnesses is not present, either physically or emotionally, and the only way the judge can communicate with them is in private. It is important to remember that in the long run, these measures are in place to protect those involved and ensure justice is served fairly.
Proponents of in camera proceedings cite the prevention of outside influence to the families. For example, there are cases when children need to speak with the judge and have their answers corroborated with their opinions and not have outside issues, like outside families or the media present. You can also think of examples where witnesses could be easily swayed by outside opinions, leading to false information being provided. Like any legal proceeding, it is crucial to establish the integrity of the information being shared and the ways people can learn about what that information is for the sake of accuracy and fairness to all parties.
The term ‘in camera’ originates more than 400 years back, when trials and proceedings were handled behind closed doors – in the jury room. Over time, the translation of the term has evolved into the court proceeding context, and reflected the origins of the term. Somewhere along the way, ‘in camera’ became private hearings, in which logistics and legal discussions and rulings are made. Courts still use this process to this day, and it can occur in a number of capacities, depending on the situation at hand and the decisions made by the presiding judge and lawyers involved.
The role of the judge during an in camera proceeding is important to understand. Not only do they control the flow of information and what is discussed, it is their duty to ensure proper management of the proceeding goals. In other words, the understanding of context, and the anticipation of what the outcome should be.
The judge also notifies those attending to disclose all relevant information to the trial. Just like a jury summons is considered a legal document, a subpoena can fall under the same category. The judge also has the option to appoint counsel if the situation requires it, meaning that the judge is responsible for providing appropriate court support when needed.
The pressure of court is intense, and being on the defense or the offense can create considerable stress. It is important to remember, however, that they were chosen for a reason: they know what they are talking about and can help you understand what really matters in your case.