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PART 4E+WHEARINGS

Private hearingsE+W

General rule – hearing to be held in privateE+W

4.1.—(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).