NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Which case is known for supporting the principle of open justice?

1. Smith v. Jones

2. Scott v. Scott 1913

3. Brown v. Board of Education

4. Johnson v. United States

The correct answer is: Scott v. Scott 1913

The principle of open justice asserts that court proceedings should be accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability within the legal system. The case of Scott v. Scott, decided in 1913, is significant because it addressed the issue of whether certain court proceedings could be held in private, which was particularly pertinent to family law matters. In this case, the House of Lords clearly articulated the importance of public access to court proceedings, emphasizing that open courts serve the fundamental purpose of allowing the public to scrutinize the actions of judges and the administration of justice. The ruling in Scott v. Scott established a precedent that restricted the circumstances under which proceedings could be conducted in private, thereby reinforcing the open justice principle. This case has had a lasting impact on the legal landscape, shaping the understanding and implementation of transparency in court proceedings. It serves as a key reference point in discussions about the right to open justice in various jurisdictions. Other cases listed do not carry the same weight or direct connection to the concept of open justice, making the choice of Scott v. Scott a pivotal and defining example in supporting this legal principle.