NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Under what condition can press and public be excluded from court proceedings?

1. When the judge finds it convenient

2. When the reasons are common and understood

3. When reasons are described as 'rare and compelling'

4. When the case is ongoing and not yet resolved

The correct answer is: When reasons are described as 'rare and compelling'

The correct response highlights that press and public can only be excluded from court proceedings when the reasons are described as "rare and compelling." This standard emphasizes the importance of openness in the legal system and ensures that restrictions on access to courtrooms are not made lightly or for trivial reasons. The term "rare and compelling" reflects the necessity for a strong justification to limit public access, safeguarding the principle of transparency in judicial processes. Courts typically favor public attendance, and any decision to exclude must be based on significant considerations, such as national security, the protection of vulnerable witnesses, or the integrity of ongoing investigations. These exceptions are not merely for convenience or general understanding but require substantive justification to uphold the ideal of open justice.