Are appellate cases heard before a state supreme court open to the public?
Generally speaking, cases before State Supreme Courts are open to the public. The public has a right to know what’s going on in courtrooms. Some State Supreme Courts, like New Jersey, even webcast all proceedings, including in capital cases. That said, there are exceptions — for example, when there is a minor involved, or a rape victim, or some other reason to shield the identity of participants. Courts are pretty much run by themselves. Try calling the administrative office of the courts, or writing to the Chief Justice, if you want to lodge a complaint or suggest a different procedure.
