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).