Florida Panel Recommends End to Secret Court Trials
· Story link A study group named by Florida’s chief justice to explore the use of secret dockets has recommended…
A study group named by Florida’s chief justice to explore the use of secret dockets has recommended new rules that would prohibit secret trials. The Miami Herald found more than 400 such cases have been conducted in one county, Broward, since 1989. Secret court sessions have been uncovered in five other counties as well. The new rules call for a public hearing before a case can be closed and require the judge to put his reasons for closure in writing. (9/7/06)