In open court

in a courtroom open to observers

In open court means an appearance by a party, or his or her attorney, in a public court session, as distinguished from a meeting in the judge's chambers. Normally, the public may be present at trials, hearings and similar routine matters. In the United States, the Constitution guarantees criminal defendants the right to a "public and speedy trial" under the Sixth and the Fourteenth Amendments. The Sixth Amendment also grants the defendant the right to appear on his or her own behalf.
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