In camera
Disputes & Litigation

In civil litigation, the proceedings are usually conducted in public, such that any member of the proceedings is entitled to attend court and observe proceedings before a judge. Proceedings conducted in camera are conducted in private, where the public are prevented from observing the proceedings.

The reasons for conducting proceedings in camera include:

1. Applications for interim injunctions, such as search orders or freezing orders. The effect of such court orders would be rendered useless if they were issued in public, as the value of the order is in the absence of notice to the proposed defendant.
2. The proceedings involve State secrets.
3. A minor is on trial
4. It is otherwise in the interests of justice that the proceedings be conducted in private.

[Latin: in private]