Most criminal courts hold their trials in open court. As such, any person can go to court and watch criminal proceedings. The decision to hold public criminal trials is not a fluke. Below are some reasons for these public trials.
For The Public Benefit
Public trials are useful in informing the public that the criminal justice system works. The public needs to know that criminals get fair trials, convicted criminals get appropriate punishment, and innocent suspects go free.
This public information will grow the public's faith in the criminal justice system. Strong faith in the system will help people seek legal redress instead of trying to solve criminal cases on their own. Faith in the justice system will also help discourage criminal activities when potential suspects see the consequences of their actions.
To Encourage Witnesses
Public criminal trials also alert the public about criminal cases. Those who hear about ongoing criminal trials can come forward with information about the crime, which can help both the prosecution and the defense.
Consider an example where you hear about a case involving two teenagers accused of shoplifting in a jewelry store. If you were in the store around the same time as the alleged crime, you could come forward with any helpful information about the events of that day.
To Discourage Perjury
Perjury is the criminal offense of lying under oath. Perjury is damaging because it undermines the criminal justice system. Lying while testifying, for example, can allow guilty defendants to go free and get innocent defendants convicted.
Lying in private is easier than lying in public. Witnesses, prosecutors, and even defendants know that others can easily discover their lies during public trials. For example, a defendant may lie that they were in school on the day of the alleged crime if the trial is private. For a public trial, other people can easily confirm that the defendant wasn't in school.
For Accountability
Lastly, public trials ensure that those who are tasked with handling the criminal justice system get to do their work properly. The judge, jury, prosecutor, and court reporter are all less likely to be negligent in their work if the public eye is on them. Human nature being what it is, there is no telling what might go on behind closed doors.
Courts do hold private criminal trials in exceptional cases. For example, the court can grant you a private trial if there are safety and security issues at stake. If you want a private trial, consult your criminal defense lawyer for an evaluation of your case to see if it's possible.
