In camera

In camera is a phrase derived from Latin literally meaning “in a chamber.” In legal settings, it is a term which applies to court cases (or portions of cases) which are decided “in private”, i.e. where a hearing is held before the judge in her private chambers or when the public is excluded from the courtroom. Certain cases may be ordered to be heard in camera when highly sensitive matters are concerned. Similarly, certain portions of trials may be held in camera if there are highly confidential facts which a party does not want revealed to the general public. This is the opposite of trial in open court, whereby all the parties and witnesses testify in a public courtroom, and attorneys make their arguments in public to the trier of fact, whether judge or jury.

“The proceedings were held in camera to protect the young victims and witnesses from public exposure.”