ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What does "in camera" refer to in a courtroom setting?

1. A courtroom session open to the public

2. The judge’s private conference with attorneys

3. A trial conducted entirely without a jury present

4. Proceedings held in private to protect sensitive information

The correct answer is: Proceedings held in private to protect sensitive information

"In camera" refers to proceedings held in private, specifically to protect sensitive information from public disclosure. This term is used in legal contexts when a judge decides that certain aspects of a case, such as evidence or testimonies, should be examined away from the public eye to safeguard confidential or sensitive data. This can include matters involving privacy concerns, national security, or trade secrets, where the interests of justice, privacy, or confidentiality outweigh the public's right to access courtroom proceedings. In such instances, the judge may choose to exclude the public and media from certain parts of the trial, ensuring that the sensitive nature of the information is preserved while still allowing necessary legal processes to continue. The other options do not capture this essential purpose of "in camera" proceedings. Public courtroom sessions are open for all to attend, a private conference between judges and attorneys does not involve the broader interests of protecting sensitive information, and a trial without a jury present would not inherently necessitate the same level of privacy or confidentiality that "in camera" proceedings entail.