Secret Courts

Delinquency and dependency proceedings: Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, juvenile court proceedings are generally closed to the public in Wyoming. But individuals with a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court — a category of people that seemingly includes members of the news media pursuant to another statutory provision discussed below — may be admitted. Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-6-224, 14-6-424 (2011).

Delinquency and dependency proceedings: The public is generally excluded from juvenile court proceedings in West Virginia, although the court may admit people with a legitimate interest in the proceedings. In delinquency hearings, individuals whose presence is requested by the parties also may attend. W. Va. Code Ann. § 49-5-2 (West 2012); W. Va. Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings R. 6a.