Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act does not require closed juvenile hearings and records

Article Abstract:

The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled in United States v. Three Juveniles that the trial court had improperly interpreted the Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act to require that the proceedings charging three juveniles with hate crimes under federal statutes be closed. The Boston Globe argued for access during the arraignment and during the pre-trial and trial stages. The trial court ruled that the statute mandated that the trial be closed. The First Circuit disagreed and found that the statute states that juvenile proceedings under federal law may be closed.

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Closed 'jury management' hearing allowed in murder trial

Article Abstract:

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled in Indiana ex rel. The Evansville Courier v. Warrick Superior Court that the trial judge was withing his discretion to hold a closed hearing on a jury management matter without providing the public with notice and the opportunity to object. Under the state Public Access to Criminal Proceedings Act, the public has standing to contest closure of criminal proceedings. The Supreme Court found that the public rights established by the Act should be balanced against judicial discretion in court management.

Court records, Indiana, Judicial discretion

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Access to juvenile courts: a reporter's guide to proceedings & documents

Article Abstract:

A shift away from rehabilitation and toward punishment in juvenile justice has lead to increased access to juvenile court records and hearings in many states. In some states, certain crimes can lead to the press being allowed access. In other states, the press may be able to publish information regarding the juvenile even if the media does not have access to court records. Journalists should focus on gaining access to information for which the judge has discretion to grant access.

Records and correspondence, Juvenile courts, states

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