Missouri Appeals Court Opens Juvenile Court Hearing in Felony Case

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A Missouri appellate court ruled that “adjudicatory” hearings in juvenile court must be open to the media in some circumstances, although the court offered no definition. A family court judge had closed a hearing on a 12-year-old girl charged with murder of a younger sister at the family’s request. The appeals court said Missouri law provides for public access if the child is accused of conduct which, if committed by an adult,” would be considered among the top two classes of felonies. (3/30/05)