PART 4HEARINGS
Private hearings
General rule – hearing to be held in private4
1
The general rule is that a hearing is to be held in private.
2
A private hearing is a hearing which only the following persons are entitled to attend—
a
the parties;
b
P (whether or not a party);
c
any person acting in the proceedings as a litigation friend or rule 1.2 representative;
d
any legal representative of a person specified in any of sub-paragraphs (a) or (b); and
e
any court officer.
3
In relation to a private hearing, the court may make an order—
a
authorising any person, or class of persons, to attend the hearing or a part of it; or
b
excluding any person, or class of persons, from attending the hearing or a part of it.
4
The general rule in paragraph (1) does not apply to a hearing for a committal order or writ of sequestration (in respect of which rule 21.27 makes provision).