richmond newspapers virginia argued february decided july commencement fourth trial murder charge defendant conviction first trial reversed appeal two subsequent retrials ended mistrials virginia trial granted defense counsel motion trial closed public without objections made prosecutor appellants newspaper two reporters present courtroom defense counsel stated want information shuffled back forth recess testified later day however trial judge granted appellants request hearing motion vacate closure order appellants counsel contended constitutional considerations mandated ordering closure first decide defendant rights protected way trial judge denied motion saying felt defendant rights infringed way others rights overridden inclined order closure ordered trial continue press public excluded next day granted defendant motion strike prosecution evidence excused jury found defendant guilty thereafter granted appellants motion intervene nunc pro tunc case virginia dismissed mandamus prohibition petitions finding reversible error denied petition appeal closure order held judgment reversed pp reversed chief justice burger joined justice white justice stevens concluded right public press attend criminal trials guaranteed first fourteenth amendments absent overriding interest articulated findings trial criminal case must open public gannett depasquale distinguished pp historical evidence evolution criminal trial justice demonstrates conclusively time nation organic laws adopted criminal trials england long presumptively open thus giving assurance proceedings conducted fairly concerned discouraging perjury misconduct participants decisions based secret bias partiality addition significant community therapeutic value public trials recognized shocking crime occurs community reaction outrage public protest often follows thereafter open processes justice serve important prophylactic purpose providing outlet community concern hostility emotion work effectively important society criminal process satisfy appearance justice offutt best provided allowing people observe process unbroken uncontradicted history supported reasons valid today centuries past must concluded presumption openness inheres nature criminal trial nation system justice levine pp freedoms speech press assembly expressly guaranteed first amendment share common core purpose assuring freedom communication matters relating functioning government guaranteeing freedoms speech press first amendment read protecting right everyone attend trials give meaning explicit guarantees first amendment right receive information ideas means context trials guarantees speech press standing alone prohibit government summarily closing courtroom doors long open public time first amendment adopted moreover right assembly also relevant regarded independent right also catalyst augment free exercise first amendment rights deliberately linked draftsmen trial courtroom public place people generally representatives media right present presence historically thought enhance integrity quality takes place pp even though constitution contains provision terms guarantees public right attend criminal trials various fundamental rights expressly guaranteed recognized indispensable enjoyment enumerated rights right attend criminal trials implicit guarantees first amendment without freedom attend trials people exercised centuries important aspects freedom speech press eviscerated pp respect closure order case despite fact accused fourth trial trial judge made findings support closure inquiry made whether alternative solutions met need ensure fairness recognition right constitution public press attend trial suggestion problems witnesses dealt exclusion courtroom sequestration trial sequestration jurors guarded subjected improper information pp justice brennan joined justice marshall concluded first amendment applied fourteenth amendment secures public right access trial proceedings without agreement trial judge parties constitutionally close trial public historically functionally open trials closely associated development fundamental procedure trial jury trial access assumes structural importance nation government laws assuring public procedural rights respected justice afforded equally serving effective restraint possible abuse judicial power aiding accuracy trial factfinding process concluded necessary consider case countervailing interests might sufficiently compelling reverse presumption openness trials since virginia statute involved authorizing trial closures unfettered discretion judge parties violated first fourteenth amendments pp justice stewart concluded first fourteenth amendments clearly give press public right access trials civil well criminal right absolute since various considerations may sometimes justify limitations upon unrestricted presence spectators courtroom present case trial judge apparently gave recognition right representatives press members public present trial pp justice blackmun view gannett depasquale supra error interpretation sixth amendment generally application suppression hearing involved right public trial found sixth amendment concluded secondary position first amendment must provide measure protection public access trial closing trial trial judge abridged first amendment interests public pp laurence tribe argued cause appellants briefs andrew brent alexander wellford leslie mullins david rosenberg marshall coleman attorney general virginia argued cause appellees brief james moore leonard hopkins martin donlan jerry slonaker assistant attorneys general briefs amici curiae urging reversal filed john degnan attorney general john de cicco anthony parrillo debra stone deputy attorneys general state new jersey stephen bricker bruce ennis american civil liberties union et al arthur hanson frank northam mitchell dale richard schmidt american newspaper publishers association et al barrett prettyman erwin krasnow arthur sackler laurent scharff reporters committee freedom press et al edward bennett williams john kuhns kevin baine washington post et al chief justice burger announced judgment delivered opinion justice white justice stevens joined narrow question presented case whether right public press attend criminal trials guaranteed constitution march one stevenson indicted murder hotel manager found stabbed death december tried promptly july stevenson convicted murder circuit hanover county va virginia reversed conviction october holding bloodstained shirt purportedly belonging stevenson improperly admitted evidence stevenson commonwealth stevenson retried second trial ended mistrial may juror asked excused trial begun alternate available third trial began june also ended mistrial appears mistrial may declared prospective juror read stevenson previous trials newspaper told prospective jurors case retrial began see app stevenson tried fourth time beginning september present courtroom case called appellants wheeler mccarthy reporters appellant richmond newspapers trial began counsel defendant moved closed public woman family deceased sat courtroom like ask everybody excluded courtroom want information shuffled back forth recess testified tr sep hearing defendant motion close trial public later day however appellants sought hearing motion vacate closure order trial judge granted request scheduled hearing follow close day proceedings hearing began ruled hearing treated part trial accordingly ordered reporters leave courtroom complied closed hearing counsel appellants observed evidentiary findings made prior entry closure order pointed failed consider less drastic measures within power ensure fair trial tr hearing motion vacate counsel appellants argued constitutional considerations mandated ordering closure first decide rights defendant protected way counsel defendant stevenson pointed fourth time standing trial also referred difficulty information jurors stated want information leak published media perhaps inaccurately seen jurors defense counsel argued things plus fact small community made proper case closure trial judge noted counsel defendant made similar statements morning hearing also stated ne points take consideration particular courtroom layout courtroom think people courtroom distracting jury certain people maybe good reason get new building people sit audience jury ca see rule may different circumstances inclined agree defense counsel feel rights defendant infringed way makes motion something completely override rights everyone else inclined go along defendant motion transpired closed trial resumed next day disclosed following manner order entered september absence jury defendant counsel made motion declared motion taken advisement conclusion commonwealth evidence attorney defendant moved strike commonwealth evidence grounds stated record motion sustained jury excused doth find accused guilty murder charged indictment allowed depart appellants sought review invoking appellate certiorari jurisdiction postponed consideration question jurisdiction hearing case merits conclude jurisdiction appeal lie however treating filed papers petition writ certiorari pursuant grant petition criminal trial appellants sought attend long since ended thus suggestion case moot frequently recognized however jurisdiction necessarily defeated practical termination contest nature see gannett depasquale nebraska press assn stuart underlying dispute capable repetition yet evading review southern pacific terminal icc moot since virginia declined plenary review reasonably foreseeable trials may closed judges without showing need presented record often criminal trials sufficiently short duration closure order evade review least considered plenary review nebraska press supra accordingly turn merits ii begin consideration case noting precise issue presented previously decision gannett depasquale supra required decide whether right access trials distinguished hearings pretrial motions constitutionally guaranteed held sixth amendment guarantee accused public trial gave neither public press enforceable right access pretrial suppression hearing one concurring opinion specifically emphasized hearing motion trial suppress evidence trial burger concurring moreover decide whether first fourteenth amendments guarantee right public attend trials dissenting opinion reach issue opinion blackmun prior cases treated questions involving conflicts publicity defendant right fair trial observed nebraska press assn stuart supra problems presented conflict almost old republic see also gannett supra murphy florida sheppard maxwell estes texas first time asked decide whether criminal trial may closed public upon unopposed request defendant without demonstration closure required protect defendant superior right fair trial overriding consideration requires closure origins proceeding become modern criminal trial justice traced back beyond reliable historical records need review details development summary history instructive significant present purposes throughout evolution trial open cared observe days norman conquest cases england generally brought moots local hundred county attended freemen community pollock english law norman conquest select essays legal history somewhat like modern jury duty attendance early meetings compulsory part freemen called upon render judgment see also holdsworth history english law gradual evolution jury system years norman conquest see duty freemen attend trials render judgment relaxed indication criminal trials remain public certain groups excused compelled attendance see statute marlborough hen ch holdsworth supra statutory exemption prevent attending lord coke observed excused compellable come left liberty coke institutes laws england ed although appear contemporary statements subject reports eyre kent general held evince recognition importance public attendance apart jury duty aspect explained king evil doers punished deserts justice ministered indifferently rich poor better accomplishing prayed community county attendance lend aid establishing happy certain peace honour realm welfare holdsworth supra quoting edition eyre kent vol emphasis added rest done openlie presence judges justices enquest prisoner manie come neare heare depositions witnesses given aloude men may heare mouth depositors witnesses saide smith de republica anglorum alston ed emphasis added found nothing suggest presumptive openness trial english courts later call one essential qualities justice daubney cooper eng also attribute judicial systems colonial america virginia example records early criminal trials indicate open nothing contrary cited see scott criminal law colonial virginia reinsch english common law early american colonies select essays legal history indeed virginia assembly felt respect due courts clamorous unmannerlynes people lost order gravity decorum manifest authority selfe neglected response restrict openness trials public instead prescribe rules conduct attending see scott supra instances openness trials explicitly recognized part fundamental law colony concessions agreements west new jersey example provided publick courts justice tryals causes civil criminal person persons inhabitants said province may freely come attend said courts hear present tryals shall passed justice may done corner covert manner reprinted sources liberties perry ed pennsylvania frame government also provided hat courts shall open sources liberties supra schwartz supra declaration reaffirmed constitution adopted pennsylvania see schwartz supra see also massachusetts body liberties reprinted schwartz supra contemporary writings confirm recognition part nature criminal trial openness wished attend perhaps best indication found address inhabitants quebec drafted committee consisting thomas cushing richard henry lee john dickinson approved first continental congress october journals continental congress pp journals address written explain position colonies gain support people quebec exposition fundamental rights colonists understood representative assembly chosen colonies schwartz supra intended inhabitants quebec educated another form government recently become english subjects thought desirable continental congress explain inestimable advantages free english constitution government privilege english subjects enjoy journals one great right trial jury provides neither life liberty property taken possessor twelve unexceptionable countrymen peers vicinage neighborhood may reasonably supposed acquainted quainted character characters witnesses upon fair trial full enquiry face face open many people chuse attend shall pass sentence upon oath emphasis added shown shown opinion dissent gannett historical evidence demonstrates conclusively time organic laws adopted criminal trials england long presumptively open quirk history rather long recognized indispensable attribute trial hale century blackstone saw importance openness proper functioning trial gave assurance proceedings conducted fairly concerned discouraged perjury misconduct participants decisions based secret bias partiality see hale history common law england ed blackstone commentaries jeremy bentham recognized therapeutic value open justice regarded keystone without publicity checks insufficient comparison publicity checks small account recordation appeal whatever institutions might present character checks found operate rather cloaks checks cloaks reality checks appearance bentham rationale judicial evidence main excellence english judicature consists publicity free trial jury extraordinary despatch business transacted publicity proceedings indeed astonishing free access courts universally granted goede foreigner opinion england horne trans emphasis added judge counsel jury constantly exposed public animadversion greatly tends augment extraordinary confidence english repose administration justice shocking crime occurs community reaction outrage public protest often follows see weihofen urge punish thereafter open processes justice serve important prophylactic purpose providing outlet community concern hostility emotion without awareness society responses criminal conduct underway natural human reactions outrage protest frustrated may manifest form vengeful indeed regularly activities vigilante committees frontiers accusation conviction acquittal much perhaps execution punishment operat restore imbalance created offense public charge reaffirm temporarily lost feeling security perhaps satisfy latent urge punish mueller problems posed publicity crime criminal proceedings rev civilized societies withdraw victim vigilante enforcement criminal laws erase people consciousness fundamental natural yearning see justice done even urge retribution crucial prophylactic aspects administration justice function dark community catharsis occur justice done corner covert manner supra enough say results alone satiate natural community desire satisfaction result considered untoward may undermine public confidence trial concealed public view unexpected outcome cause reaction system best failed worst corrupted work effectively important society criminal process satisfy appearance justice offutt appearance justice best provided allowing people observe looking back see ancient town meeting form trial became cumbersome members community delegated act surrogates community surrender right observe conduct trials people retained right visitation enabled satisfy justice fact done people open society demand infallibility institutions difficult accept prohibited observing criminal trial conducted open least opportunity understanding system general workings particular case educative effect public attendance material advantage respect law increased intelligent acquaintance acquired methods government strong confidence judicial remedies secured never inspired system secrecy wigmore supra see also bentham rationale judicial evidence unbroken uncontradicted history supported reasons valid today centuries past bound conclude presumption openness inheres nature criminal trial system justice conclusion hardly novel without direct holding issue voiced recognition variety contexts years even holding levine criminal contempt proceeding criminal prosecution within meaning sixth amendment careful note sixth amendment involved hile right public trial explicitly guaranteed sixth amendment criminal prosecutions provision reflection notion deeply rooted common law justice must satisfy appearance ue process demands appropriate regard requirements public proceeding cases criminal contempt adjudications exercise judicial power barring narrowly limited categories exceptions despite history criminal trials presumptively open since long constitution state presses contention neither constitution bill rights contains provision terms guarantees public right attend criminal trials standing alone correct remains question whether absent explicit provision constitution affords protection exclusion public criminal trials iii first amendment conjunction fourteenth prohibits governments abridging freedom speech press right people peaceably assemble petition government redress grievances expressly guaranteed freedoms share common core purpose assuring freedom communication matters relating functioning government plainly difficult single aspect government higher concern importance people manner criminal trials conducted shown recognition pervades history open trials opinions supra bill rights enacted backdrop long history trials presumptively open public access trials regarded important aspect process conduct trials many people chuse attend regarded one inestimable advantages free english constitution government journals guaranteeing freedoms speech press first amendment read protecting right everyone attend trials give meaning explicit guarantees first amendment goes beyond protection press individuals prohibit government limiting stock information members public may draw first national bank boston bellotti free speech carries freedom listen variety contexts referred first amendment right receive information ideas kleindienst mandel means context trials first amendment guarantees speech press standing alone prohibit government summarily closing courtroom doors long open public time amendment adopted first amendment speak equivocally must taken command broadest scope explicit language read context society allow bridges california omitted crucial whether describe right attend criminal trials hear see communicate observations concerning right access cf gannett supra powell concurring saxbe washington post pell procunier right gather information recognized without protection seeking news freedom press eviscerated branzburg hayes explicit guaranteed rights speak publish concerning takes place trial lose much meaning access observe trial foreclosed arbitrarily right access places traditionally open public criminal trials long may seen assured amalgam first amendment guarantees speech press affinity right assembly without relevance outset right assembly regarded independent right also catalyst augment free exercise first amendment rights deliberately linked draftsmen right peaceable assembly right cognate free speech free press equally fundamental de jonge oregon people assemble public places speak take action also listen observe learn indeed may assembl lawful purpose hague cio opinion stone subject traditional time place manner restrictions see cox new hampshire see also cox louisiana streets sidewalks parks places traditionally open first amendment rights may exercised see hague cio supra opinion roberts trial courtroom also public place people generally representatives media right present presence historically thought enhance integrity quality takes place state argues constitution nowhere spells guarantee right public attend trials accordingly right protected possibility contention made escape notice constitution draftsmen concerned important rights might thought disparaged specifically guaranteed even argued danger bill rights adopted see federalist hamilton letter thomas jefferson october james madison explained although favor bill rights viewed important light time conceive certain degree rights question reserved manner federal powers granted went state great reason fear positive declaration essential rights obtained requisite latitude writings james madison hunt ed arguments state makes precluded recognition important rights enumerated notwithstanding appropriate caution reading constitution rights explicitly defined acknowledged certain unarticulated rights implicit enumerated guarantees example rights association privacy right presumed innocent right judged standard proof beyond reasonable doubt criminal trial well right travel appear nowhere constitution bill rights yet important unarticulated rights nonetheless found share constitutional protection common explicit guarantees concerns expressed madison others thus resolved fundamental rights even though expressly guaranteed recognized indispensable enjoyment rights explicitly defined hold right attend criminal trials implicit guarantees first amendment without freedom attend trials people exercised centuries important aspects freedom speech press eviscerated branzburg concluded guaranteed right public first fourteenth amendments attend trial stevenson case return closure order challenged appellants gannett made clear although sixth amendment guarantees accused right public trial give right private trial despite fact fourth trial accused trial judge made findings support closure inquiry made whether alternative solutions met need ensure fairness recognition right constitution public press attend trial contrast pretrial proceeding dealt gannett exist context trial various tested alternatives satisfy constitutional demands fairness see nebraska press assn stuart sheppard maxwell suggestion problems witnesses dealt exclusion courtroom sequestration trial see anything indicate sequestration jurors guarded subjected improper information alternatives admittedly present difficulties trial courts none factors relied beyond realm manageable absent overriding interest articulated findings trial criminal case must open public accordingly judgment review reversed footnotes virginia code supp provides part trial criminal cases whether felony misdemeanor cases may discretion exclude trial persons whose presence impair conduct fair trial provided right accused public trial shall violated oral argument represented tapes trial available public soon trial terminated tr oral arg view validity code supp sufficiently drawn question appellants virginia courts invoke appellate jurisdiction essential jurisdiction appeal explicit timely insistence state courts state statute applied repugnant federal constitution treaties laws charleston federal savings loan assn alderson appellants never explicitly challenged statute validity trial state appellants argued constitutional rights public press prevented closing trial without first giving notice opportunity hearing public press exhausting every alternative means protecting defendant right fair trial given appellant failure explicitly challenge statute view arguments constituting claims rights constitution rights said limit exercise discretion conferred statute trial cf phillips attack lawless exercise authority particular case attack upon constitutionality statute conferring authority claims properly brought way certiorari rather appellate jurisdiction see kulko california superior hanson denckla shall however continue refer parties appellants appellee see kulko supra little way contemporary record period surprising noted historians see jenks short history english law ed early laws deal rather novel uncertain normal undoubted rules law trouble record every village elder knows disputed point long caused bloodshed disturbance successful invader insists change necessary draw code ibid coke interpreted certain language earlier chapter statute specifically indicating proceedings public nature words curia domini regis great importance causes heard ordered determined judges king courts openly king courts whither persons may resort coke institutes laws england ed emphasis added bentham also emphasized open proceedings enhanced performance involved protected judge imputations dishonesty served educate public rationale judicial evidence collateral aspect seen wigmore possibility someone attendance trial learns proceedings publicity may able furnish evidence chief contradict falsifiers wigmore wigmore gives examples occurrences course trials must public public deep interest trials pennekamp florida frankfurter concurring trial public event transpires room public property craig harney douglas unable find single instance criminal trial conducted camera federal state municipal history country found record even one secret criminal trial england since abolition star chamber whether ever convicted people secretly dispute nation accepted practice guaranteeing public trial accused roots english common law heritage exact date origin obscure likely evolved long settlement land accompaniment ancient institution jury trial oliver black footnotes omitted one demands democratic society public know goes courts told press happens end public may judge whether system criminal justice fair right maryland baltimore radio show frankfurter dissenting denial certiorari true public right informed occurs courts reporters media including television always present wish plainly free report whatever occurs open estes texas clark see also warren concurring ruled however televising criminal trial defendant objections violated due process right fair trial principle justice survive behind walls silence long reflected distrust secret trials sheppard maxwell clark went hold particular circumstances case accused complain appeal secrecy proceedings counsel present failed object request judge open courtroom time procunier saxbe distinguishable sense concerned penal institutions definition open public places penal institutions share long tradition openness although traditionally visiting committees citizens doubt legislative committees exercise plenary oversight visitation rights saxbe noted limitation visitations justified appeals acknowledged truism prisons institutions public access generally limited app see adderley florida jails see also greer spock military bases right attend may exercised people less frequently today information trials generally reaches way print electronic media way alters basic right instead relying personal observation reports neighbors past people receive information concerning trials media whose representatives entitled rights attend trials general public estes texas first congress debating bill rights contended need separately assert right assembly subsumed freedom speech sedgwick massachusetts argued inclusion assembly among enumerated rights tend make congress appear trifling eyes constituents people freely converse together must assemble purpose unalienable right people possess certainly thing never called question annals cong since right existed independent written guarantee sedgwick went argue drafting committee purpose protect inherent rights people listing might gone lengthy enumeration rights unnecessary said government none intended infringed mr page virginia responded however times rights opposed people prevented assembling together lawful occasions herefore well guard stretches authority inserting privilege declaration rights people deprived power assembling pretext whatsoever might deprived every privilege contained clause ibid motion strike assembly defeated course true right assembly bill rights large part drafted reaction restrictions rights england see geo stat ch cf geo ch shown right englishmen attend trials similarly limited ironic indeed historic openness trial militate protection right attend constitution guarantees simply freedom abuses led framers single particular rights purpose first amendment guarantee facets right described draftsmen sought protect rights englishmen enlarge scope see bridges california contrary implications part history period first amendment framed adopted purpose ratifying bill rights clearer securing people much greater freedom religion expression assembly petition people great britain ever enjoyed madison comments congress also reveal perceived need sort constitutional saving clause among things serve foreclose application bill rights maxim affirmation particular rights implies negation expressly defined see annals cong see also story commentaries constitution ed madison efforts culminating ninth amendment served allay fears concerned expressing certain guarantees read excluding others see naacp alabama right association griswold connecticut stanley georgia right privacy estelle williams taylor kentucky presumption innocence winship standard proof beyond reasonable doubt guest shapiro thompson right interstate travel whether public right attend trials civil cases question raised case note historically civil criminal trials presumptively open occasion define circumstances parts criminal trial may closed public wigmore evidence chadbourn rev holding today mean first amendment rights public representatives press absolute government may impose reasonable time place manner restrictions upon use streets interest objectives free flow traffic see cox new hampshire may trial judge interest fair administration justice impose reasonable limitations access trial question particular case whether control exerted deny unwarrantedly abridge opportunities communication thought discussion public questions immemorially associated resort public places far important trials conducted quiet orderly setting preserve atmosphere city streets compare kovacs cooper illinois allen estes texas moreover since courtrooms limited capacity may occasions every person wishes attend accommodated situations reasonable restrictions general access traditionally imposed including preferential seating media representatives cf gannett powell concurring houchins kqed stewart concurring judgment stevens dissenting justice white concurring case unnecessary gannett depasquale construed sixth amendment forbid excluding public criminal proceedings except narrowly defined circumstances rejected submission four us effect thus requiring first amendment issue involved addressed issue concur opinion chief justice justice stevens concurring watershed case today accorded virtually absolute protection dissemination information ideas never squarely held acquisition newsworthy matter entitled constitutional protection whatsoever additional word emphasis therefore appropriate twice implied governmental restriction access information matter severe matter unjustified constitutionally acceptable long single press special disabilities applicable public large dissent joined justice brennan justice marshall saxbe washington post justice powell unequivocally rejected conclusion governmental restriction press access information long nondiscriminatory falls outside purview first amendment concern emphasis original houchins kqed explained length justice brennan justice powell convinced official prison policy concealing knowledge public arbitrarily cutting flow information source abridges freedom speech press protected first fourteenth amendments constitution since justice marshall justice blackmun unable participate case majority neither accepted rejected conclusion contrary conclusion expressed prevailing opinions today however first time unequivocally holds arbitrary interference access important information abridgment freedoms speech press protected first amendment somewhat ironic find reason recognize right access today houchins houchins involved plight segment society least able protect attack longstanding policy concealment absence legitimate justification abridging public access information government operates case protecting interests powerful voices community concerned almost unique exception established tradition openness conduct criminal trials likely closure order motivated judge desire protect individual defendant burden fourth criminal trial event reasons stated part ii houchins opinion well stated chief justice today agree first amendment protects public press abridgment rights access information operation government including judicial branch given total absence record justification closure order entered case order violated first amendment neither first amendment fourteenth amendment mandates right access government information sources information within government control opinion burger first fourteenth amendments guarantee public right access information generated controlled government constitution assure public press equal access government opened doors stewart concurring judgment neither likely motivation facts showing risk fifth trial necessary without closure fourth disclosed record however absence articulated reason closure order sufficient basis distinguishing case gannett depasquale decision today way inconsistent perfectly unambiguous holding gannett rights guaranteed sixth amendment rights may asserted accused rather members general public opinion framers quite properly identified party greatest interest right public trial language sixth amendment worth emphasizing criminal prosecutions accused shall enjoy right speedy public trial impartial jury state district wherein crime shall committed district shall previously ascertained law informed nature cause accusation confronted witnesses compulsory process obtaining witnesses favor assistance counsel defence emphasis added justice brennan justice marshall joins concurring judgment gannett depasquale held sixth amendment right public trial personal accused conferring right access pretrial proceedings separately enforceable public press instant case raises question whether first amendment force applied fourteenth amendment secures public independent right access trial proceedings believe first amendment applied fourteenth amendment secures public right access agree brethren hold without agreement trial judge parties constitutionally close trial public freedom expression made inviolate first amendment rare stringent exceptions may suppressed see brown glines brennan dissenting nebraska press assn stuart brennan concurring judgment new york times per curiam opinion near minnesota ex rel olson first amendment viewed settings providing equally categorical assurance correlative freedom access information see saxbe washington post zemel rusk see also houchins kqed opinion burger stewart concurring judgment gannett depasquale rehnquist concurring cf powell concurring houchins supra stevens dissenting saxbe supra powell dissenting pell procunier douglas dissenting yet ruled public access component first amendment every circumstance read care context decisions must therefore understood holding privilege access governmental information subject degree restraint dictated nature information countervailing interests security confidentiality see houchins supra opinion burger access prisons saxbe supra pell supra estes texas television courtroom zemel rusk supra validation passport unfriendly country cases neither comprehensively absolutely deny public access information may times implied first amendment principles animate approach cases simply reflects special nature claim first amendment right gather information customarily first amendment guarantees interposed protect communication speaker listener employed prior restraints free speech protections almost insurmountable see nebraska press assn stuart supra new york times supra per curiam opinion see generally brennan address rutgers rev first amendment embodies commitment free expression communicative interchange sakes structural role play securing fostering republican system see carolene products grosjean american press stromberg california brennan supra ely democracy distrust emerson system freedom expression meiklejohn free speech relation bork neutral principles first amendment problems ind implicit structural role principle debate public issues uninhibited robust new york times sullivan also antecedent assumption valuable public debate well civic behavior must informed structural model links first amendment process communication necessary democracy survive thus entails solicitude communication also indispensable conditions meaningful communication however stretch protection theoretically endless brennan supra must invoked discrimination temperance far participating citizen need information concerned restrictions action clothed ingenious argument garb decreased data flow zemel rusk supra assertion prerogative gather information must accordingly assayed considering information sought opposing interests invaded judicial task much matter sensitivity practical necessities abstract reasoning least two helpful principles may sketched first case right access special force drawn enduring vital tradition public entree particular proceedings information cf winship tradition commands respect part constitution carries gloss history importantly tradition accessibility implies favorable judgment experience second value access must measured specifics analysis advanced rhetorical statements information bears upon public issues crucial individual cases whether access particular government process important terms process resolve case us therefore must consult historical current practice respect open trials weigh importance public access trial process ii nation accepted practice guaranteeing public trial accused roots english common law heritage oliver see gannett depasquale blackmun concurring dissenting indeed historically functionally open trials closely associated development fundamental procedure trial jury oliver supra radin right public trial temp english legal observers commentators unreservedly acknowledged applauded public character trial process see smith de republica anglorum coke institutes laws england ed blackstone commentaries hale history common law england ed bentham rationale judicial evidence appears little record secret proceedings criminal civil occurred time known english history gannett supra blackmun concurring dissenting see also oliver supra radin supra persistently defended public character trial process oliver established due process clause fourteenth amendment forbids closed criminal trials noting universal rule secret trials held view nation historic distrust secret proceedings inherent dangers freedom universal requirement federal state governments criminal trials public fourteenth amendment guarantee one shall deprived liberty without due process law means least accused thus sentenced prison token special solicitude public character judicial proceedings evident rulings upholding right report administration justice decisions impelled classic protections afforded first amendment pure communication also bottomed upon keen appreciation structural interest served opening judicial system public inspection upholding privilege reporting truthful information judicial misconduct proceedings landmark communications virginia emphasized public scrutiny operation judicial disciplinary body implicates major purpose first amendment discussion governmental affairs nebraska press assn stuart noted traditional guarantee prior restraint particular force applied reporting criminal proceedings cox broadcasting cohn instructed ith respect judicial proceedings particular function press serves guarantee fairness trials bring bear beneficial effects public scrutiny upon administration justice see time firestone brennan dissenting open judicial process essential fulfill first amendment guarantees people nation shall retain necessary means control institutions tradition contemporaneous state practice decisions manifest common understanding trial public event transpires room public property craig harney matter law virtually immemorial custom public trials essentially unwavering rule ancestral england nation see oliver gannett depasquale blackmun concurring dissenting abiding adherence principle open trials reflect profound judgment way law enforced justice administered duncan louisiana iii publicity serves advance several particular purposes trial indeed judicial process open trials play fundamental role furthering efforts judicial system assure criminal defendant fair accurate adjudication guilt innocence see estes texas feature governing system justice trial process serves broadly political interests public access advances objectives well extent trial access possesses specific structural significance trial means meeting notion deeply rooted common law justice must satisfy appearance justice levine quoting offutt accord gannett depasquale supra blackmun concurring dissenting see cowley pulsifer mass holmes civilization founded upon principles ordered liberty survive flourish members must share conviction governed equitably necessity underlies constitutional provisions diverse rule takings without compensation see pruneyard shopping center robins equal protection clause also mandates system justice demonstrates fairness law citizens one major function trial hedged procedural protections conducted conspicuous respect rule law make demonstration see oliver supra secrecy profoundly inimical demonstrative purpose trial process open trials assure public procedural rights respected justice afforded equally closed trials breed suspicion prejudice arbitrariness turn spawns disrespect law public access essential therefore trial adjudication achieve objective maintaining public confidence administration justice see gannett supra blackmun concurring dissenting trial demonstrably method adjudicating disputes protecting rights plays pivotal role entire judicial process extension form government system judges mere umpires sphere lawmakers coordinate branch government individual cases turn upon controversies parties involve particular prosecutions rulings impose official practical consequences upon members society large moreover judges bear responsibility vitally important task construing securing constitutional rights thus far trial mechanism judicial factfinding well initial forum legal decisionmaking genuine governmental proceeding follows conduct trial matter public interest see cox broadcasting cohn maryland baltimore radio show opinion frankfurter respecting denial certiorari importantly public access trials acts important check akin purpose checks balances infuse system government knowledge every criminal trial subject contemporaneous review forum public opinion effective restraint possible abuse judicial power oliver abuse many cases ramifications beyond impact upon parties indeed ithout publicity checks insufficient comparison publicity checks small account quoting bentham rationale judicial evidence see blackstone commentaries hale history common law england ed bryce american commonwealth rev finally limitations trial aims true accurate factfinding course proper factfinding benefit criminal defendants parties civil proceedings comparably urgent interests also often stake miscarriage justice imprisons innocent accused also leaves guilty party large continuing threat society also mistakes fact civil litigation may inflict costs upon others plaintiff defendant facilitation trial factfinding process therefore concern public well parties publicizing trial proceedings aids accurate factfinding public trials come attention key witnesses unknown parties oliver supra see tanksley wigmore evidence chadbourn rev shrewd legal observers averred open examination witnesses viva voce presence mankind much conducive clearing truth private secret examination witness may frequently depose private ashamed testify public solemn tribunal blackstone supra popular attendance trials sum substantially furthers particular public purposes critical judicial proceeding sense public access indispensable element trial process trial access therefore assumes structural importance government laws marbury madison cranch iv previously noted resolution first amendment public access claims individual cases must strongly influenced weight historical practice assessment specific structural value public access circumstances regard case hand ingrained tradition public trials importance public access broader purposes trial process tip balance strongly toward rule trials open countervailing interests might sufficiently compelling reverse presumption openness need concern us statute stake authorizes trial closures unfettered discretion judge parties accordingly code supp violates first fourteenth amendments decision virginia contrary reversed course sixth amendment remains source accused right insist upon public judicial proceedings gannett depasquale sixth amendment explicitly establishes public trial right impliedly foreclose derivation right provisions constitution constitution framed work carpentry joints must fit snugly without overlapping necessity document designs form government address central political concerns variety perspectives significantly recognized open trial right matter sixth amendment ingredient fifth amendment due process see levine cf oliver fourteenth amendment due process analogously racial segregation found independently offensive equal protection fifth amendment due process clauses compare brown board education bolling sharpe conceptually separate yet related question whether media enjoy greater access rights general public see saxbe washington post pell procunier contention stake since media right access least equal general public see case resolved decision state statute unconstitutionally restricts public access trials practical matter however institutional press likely fitting chief beneficiary right access serves agent interested citizens funnels information trials large number individuals idea foreshadowed justice powell dissent saxbe washington post supra stake societal function first amendment preserving free public discussion governmental affairs aspect constitutional guarantee rightly treasured protection ability people free open debate consider resolve destiny first amendment one vital bulwarks national commitment intelligent embodies nation commitment popular abiding faith surest course developing sound national policy lies free exchange views public issues public debate must unfettered must also informed reason repeatedly stated first amendment concerns encompass receipt information ideas well right free expression omitted technique deriving specific rights structure constitutional government explicit rights novel right suffrage inferred nature free democratic society importance preservative basic civil political rights reynolds sims san antonio independent school dist rodriguez explicit freedoms speech petition assembly yielded correlative guarantee certain associational activities naacp button see also rodriguez supra indicating rights may implicitly embedded constitution brennan dissenting marshall dissenting lamont postmaster general brennan concurring analogously somewhat cautious applying first amendment protections communication way nonverbal nonpictorial conduct behavior intimately connected expression practical purposes partakes transcendental constitutional value pure speech see tinker des moines school district yet connection expression action perceived tenuous communicative interests may overridden competing social values see hughes superior public trial seems almost necessary incident jury trials since presence jury already insured presence large part public need scarcely reminded jury patria country capacity judges summoned radin right public trial temp see blackstone commentaries trial jury called also trial per pais country smith de republica anglorum first published first published first edition published quoted schwartz bill rights documentary history sure constitutions pennsylvania declaration rights couched public trial guarantees language accused rights although read federal constitution explicit public trial provision amdt benefiting defendant alone follow comparably worded state guarantees must construed see gannett depasquale blackmun concurring dissenting cf also mallott state alaska even specific state public trial protections must invoked defendants state constitutional clauses still provide evidence importance attached open trials founders state governments indeed may thought linking public trials accused privileges effective way assuring vigorous representative popular interest notably oliver rest upon simple incorporation sixth amendment fourteenth upon notions intrinsic due process criminal contempt proceedings issue case within criminal prosecutions sixth amendment applies levine see also supra justice holmes pointed opinion massachusetts judicial cowley pulsifer mass privilege publish reports judicial proceedings access public courts stand reason upon common ground see lewis levy el eng dictum branzburg hayes ewsmen may prohibited attending publishing information trials restrictions necessary assure defendant fair trial contrary simply notes rights access may curtailed sufficiently powerful countervailing considerations see supra way analogy fashioned rules criminal procedure serve interests implicated trial process beside defendant example exclusionary rule prompted accused interest vindicating rights also part independent imperative judicial integrity see terry ohio quoting elkins calandra brennan dissenting olmstead brandeis dissenting holmes dissenting several members insisted criminal entrapment countenanced obligation avoid enforcement law lawless means goes beyond conviction particular defendant public confidence fair honorable administration justice transcending value stake sherman frankfurter concurring result see russell douglas dissenting stewart dissenting sorrells opinion roberts casey brandeis dissenting interpretation application constitutional statutory law legislation lawmaking albeit kind subject special constraints informed unique considerations guided confined constitution pertinent statutes judges obliged discerning exercise judgment prescribe rules indeed times judges wield considerable authority formulate legal policy designated areas see moragne marine lines banco nacional de cuba sabbatino textile workers lincoln mills areeda antitrust analysis ed sherman act general authority common law courts usually use certain customary techniques judicial reasoning develop refine innovate dynamic common law tradition interest insuring innocent punished may shared general public addition accused advancing purposes availability trial transcript substitute public presence trial experienced appellate judge attest cold record imperfect reproduction events transpire courtroom indeed extent publicity serves check upon trial officials ecordation found operate rather cloa chec cloa reality chec appearance oliver quoting bentham rationale judicial evidence see presumption public trials course incompatible reasonable restrictions imposed upon courtroom behavior interests decorum cf illinois allen thus engaging interchanges bench trial judge required allow public press intrusion upon huddle opinion intimate judges restricted ability conduct conferences chambers inasmuch conferences distinct trial proceedings example national security concerns confidentiality may sometimes warrant closures sensitive portions trial proceedings testimony state secrets cf nixon significantly closing trial lacks even justification barring door pretrial hearings necessity preventing dissemination suppressible prejudicial evidence public jury pool become practical sense finite subject sequestration justice stewart concurring judgment gannett depasquale held sixth amendment guarantees accused right public trial confer upon representatives press members general public right access trial explicitly left open question whether right access may guaranteed provisions constitution justice powell expressed view first fourteenth amendments extend least limited right access even pretrial suppression hearings criminal cases concurring opinion justice rehnquist expressed contrary view concurring opinion remaining members silent question whatever ultimate answer question may respect pretrial suppression hearings criminal cases first fourteenth amendments clearly give press public right access trials civil well criminal abundantly demonstrated part ii opinion chief justice justice brennan opinion concurring judgment justice blackmun opinion dissenting part last term gannett case supra centuries basic presupposition legal system trials shall public trials opinions referred also convincingly explain many good reasons us trial definition proceeding open press public conspicuous contrast military base greer spock jail adderley florida prison pell procunier trial courtroom public place even city streets sidewalks parks areas traditional first amendment activity shuttlesworth birmingham trial courtroom place representatives press public free presence serves assure integrity goes mean first amendment right members public representatives press attend civil criminal trials absolute legislature may impose reasonable time place manner restrictions upon exercise first amendment freedoms may trial judge impose reasonable limitations upon unrestricted occupation courtroom representatives press members public cf sheppard maxwell much city street trial courtroom must quiet orderly place compare kovacs cooper illinois allen estes texas moreover every courtroom finite physical capacity may occasions wish attend trial may exist many alternative ways satisfy constitutional demands fair trial demands may also sometimes justify limitations upon unrestricted presence spectators courtroom since present case trial judge appears given recognition right representatives press members public present virginia murder trial presiding judgment review must reversed upon basis principles concur judgment also made clear sixth amendment give accused right private trial cf singer sixth amendment right trial jury include right tried without jury long established protections first amendment guaranteed fourteenth amendment invasion gitlow new york first amendment provisions relevant case protecting free speech free press right speak implies freedom listen kleindienst mandel right publish implies freedom gather information branzburg hayes see opinion justice brennan concurring judgment ante passim situations representatives press must assured access houchins kqed opinion concurring judgment alternatives include sequestration juries continuances changes venue say constitutional considerations justify restrictions preservation trade secrets example might justify exclusion public least segments civil trial sensibilities youthful prosecution witness example might justify similar exclusion criminal trial rape long defendant sixth amendment right public trial impaired see stamicarbon american cyanamid justice blackmun concurring judgment opinion vote partial dissent last term gannett depasquale compels vote reverse judgment virginia decision case gratifying two reasons gratifying first see looking relying upon legal history determining fundamental public character criminal trial ante partial dissent gannett took great pains assembling believe adequately historical material stressing importance area law see also justice brennan helpful review set forth part ii opinion present case ante although gannett gave modicum lip service legal history denied obvious application defense prosecution resistance trial judge agreed proceeding closed return history welcome change direction gratifying second see wash away least graffiti marred prevailing opinions gannett fewer times primary opinion case albeit seems become clear dicta observed sixth amendment closure ruling applied trial author first concurring opinion fully aware restricted observations ruling suppression hearing nonetheless joined opinion multiple references trial opinion mere concurrence judgment justice rehnquist separate concurring opinion quite understandably observed consequence holding without qualification members public constitutional right sixth fourteenth amendments attend criminal trials quoting primary opinion resulting confusion among commentators journalists surprising ii ultimate ruling gannett clarification provided opinions case today apparently effect sixth amendment right part public press open hearing motion suppress course continue believe gannett error interpretation sixth amendment generally application suppression hearing remain convinced right public trial found constitution explicitly placed sixth amendment however eschewed sixth amendment route plurality turns possible constitutional sources invokes veritable potpourri speech clause first amendment press clause assembly clause ninth amendment cluster penumbral guarantees recognized past decisions course troublesome route selected least must live purpose served spelling length reasons saying course troublesome need observe uncertainty marks nature strictness standard closure adopts plurality opinion speaks overriding interest articulated findings ante justice stewart reserves perhaps inappropriately reasonable limitations ante justice brennan presents separate analytical framework justice powell gannett critical justices relying sixth amendment concluded closure authorized strictly inescapably necessary justice rehnquist continues flat rejection among others first amendment avenue said sixth amendment set one side case driven conclude secondary position first amendment must provide measure protection public access trial opinion partial dissent gannett explained public intense need deserved right know administration justice general prosecution local crimes particular conduct judge prosecutor defense counsel police officers public servants actors judicial arena trial see see also cox broadcasting cohn clear obvious approach chosen take closing criminal trial trial judge abridged first amendment interests public also reverse join judgment see stephenson fair press rights continuing conflict brooklyn rev intended reach majority opinion unclear omitted term harv rev widespread uncertainty held note rev gannett interpreted sanction closing trials citing uncertainty language gannett ambiguous sixth amendment holding note tex tech rev perhaps much present imminent confusion lies statement holding borow kruth closed preliminary hearings state bar despite public disclaimers majority holding appears embrace right access trials well pretrial hearings goodale gannett means says knows says nat see also keeffe boner called gannett press perhaps segment society profoundly affected gannett called decision cloudy birmingham confused chicago cartoon incoherent baltimore sun mushy washington post muddle time newsweek shall seek demonstrate errors analysis opinion gannett note however existence present case illustrates utter fallacy thinking context public interest fully protected participants litigation gannett depasquale cf opinion partial dissent justice rehnquist dissenting gilbert sullivan operetta iolanthe lord chancellor recites law true embodiment everything excellent kind fault flaw lords embody law ere first time asked decide whether criminal trial may closed public upon unopposed request defendant without demonstration closure required protect defendant superior right fair trial overriding consideration requires closure ante read care context decisions must therefore understood holding privilege access governmental information subject degree restraint dictated nature information countervailing interests security confidentiality ante present state judicial systems one federal judicial system authority reverse decision highest state limited occasions state decision violates provision constitution authority exercised full sense judges whose decisions review making effort uphold constitution said justice jackson concurring result brown allen final infallible infallible final proper administration justice nation bound matter highest concern thinking citizens gradually rein done past generation ultimate decisionmaking power justice shall administered merely federal system task consisting nine persons however gifted equal desirable authority exercised tiny numerical fragment million people compose population country concurrence quoted justice jackson accurately observed generalities fourteenth amendment indeterminate state actions forbidden found ready instrument one field another magnify federal incidentally authority however impulses originally spawned trend may impulses accentuated since time justice jackson wrote basically unhealthy much authority concentrated small group lawyers appointed enjoy virtual life tenure nothing reasoning chief justice marshall marbury madison cranch requires use supremacy clause smother healthy pluralism ordinarily exist national government embracing issue whether right freedom press conferred first amendment constitution overrides defendant right fair trial conferred amendments constitution instead whether provision constitution may fairly read prohibit trial judge virginia system case unable find prohibition first sixth ninth amendment constitution constitution dissent