In Camera
(ihn KAH-meh-rah) - In [my] chambers
When a judge wishes to hold a private hearing or discussion with the attorneys representing the litigants, s/he may hold such a meeting in camera, or in his/her private offices. The jury public and the press are normally excluded from such meetings.
Although these conversations are private, they are not normally "off the record," although they may be. In such a case, the proceeding will be made by the court stenographer, although this record may not immediately be made available to the public, if ever. In fact, a judge may choose to seal such records.
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A judge may wish a hearing or discussion held in camera for a number of reasons. Usually, it is because the nature of a piece of evidence may be delicate. There may also be certain issues that the judge feels may unfairly bias the jury.
In camera hearings a frequently held in cases involving minor children, such as guardianships, adoptions and custody disputes - particularly disputes in which alleged child abuse is an issue. If a witness is a young child, testimony may be taken in camera.
A judge may also hold an in camera hearing if there are issues of national security involved.
Normally, in camera hearings and other proceedings are an exception, since justice in free and democratic societies is based on principles of transparency; whenever possible, it is the right of the public to be present at legal proceedings.
Corporate boards of directors also hold meetings in camera. Again, minutes are taken and there is a record made, but this is not usually available to the public, particularly if the corporation is privately held.