The Public

I am the public, the people; I am you and me. Some decisions of the court can have serious effects on our lives. This is why I have the right to be present in courtrooms and to consult the court records. I may attend every case at the Court of Québec, Civil Division if I want to. A few of us come to the court hearings regularly. Seated in the hearing room, we observe the dramatic spectacle that justice can be.

In the hearing room, besides curious observers, you will obviously find people who are waiting for their turn before the judge, as well as witnesses and even journalists. The parents or friends of these people sometimes come to court as well, to support their loved ones.

However, the judge may sometimes decide to conduct the hearing in camera, meaning that the public must be absent. In these cases, I will be asked to leave the room.

While the trial is in progress, I avoid entering or leaving the hearing room. If I want to read the paper or speak to another person, I go into the hallway. When the judge leaves the courtroom, I stand up and stay standing until she has left before moving from my place.

The public aspect of our system is of fundamental importance.