NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What can result from revealing details about a case in an open court setting?

1. A reduction in public trust

2. Encouragement of witnesses to provide truthful testimony

3. A lack of transparency

4. Limited public participation

The correct answer is: Encouragement of witnesses to provide truthful testimony

Revealing details about a case in an open court setting primarily serves to encourage witnesses to provide truthful testimony. This transparency helps to foster an environment where witnesses feel compelled to share their accounts openly and honestly. Open court proceedings allow the public to observe the judicial process, which can promote accountability and deter potential misconduct. When witnesses see that their testimony is part of a public record, they may be more inclined to be truthful, knowing that their statements could be scrutinized by others. In contrast, the other effects mentioned—reduction in public trust, lack of transparency, and limited public participation—highlight the importance of how information is handled in the legal system. However, the essence of an open court is to facilitate the truth-seeking process, ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done, which directly ties into witness credibility and the quality of the information presented during trials.