NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Which aspect of open justice can lead to potential modifications of the law?

1. Increased litigation

2. Public assessment of justice quality

3. Minimization of public hearings

4. Restricting access to legal information

The correct answer is: Public assessment of justice quality

The aspect of open justice that can lead to potential modifications of the law is public assessment of justice quality. This process allows the public and various stakeholders, including legal practitioners and advocacy groups, to scrutinize how the justice system operates. Through this scrutiny, members of the public can identify areas where the law may be lacking or failing to serve the needs of society effectively. When the quality of justice is evaluated publicly, it often brings to light inconsistencies, biases, or gaps in legal provisions that may necessitate reform. Moreover, when citizens engage in assessing the justice system and express their findings, it can create a grassroots movement advocating for changes. This feedback mechanism can influence lawmakers and the judiciary to revise existing laws or create new ones, ensuring that the legal system remains accountable and reflective of societal values. In contrast, increased litigation typically focuses on the volume of cases rather than directly inspiring changes in the law. Minimization of public hearings could hinder transparency, which is contrary to open justice principles. Restricting access to legal information clearly opposes the concept of open justice and would most likely lead to less accountability, rather than modifications of the law.