Can There Be Valid Reasons for Withholding Information from the Public During a Trial?

Stance

Yes — but only in exceptional, judicially supervised cases.

• Jurisdiction focus: UK/ECHR with comparative references (US, Canada).
• Word target: 750.

Definitions

• Withholding information: Preventing disclosure of some material to the public (media, observers) while still allowing its use in the trial. Includes anonymisation, redactions, reporting restrictions, and closed material procedures.
• Valid reasons: Ethically defensible and legally principled justifications that respect Article 6 ECHR (fair trial) and the principle of open justice.
• Public trial principle: Rooted in Scott v Scott [1913]: "justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done."

Assumptions under challenge