Open justice is a long-standing and fundamental principle prevalent in many common law countries. In 1924, Viscount Hewart, then Lord Chief Justice of England, uttered the now famous words: “Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” In the seminal case of Scott v Scott [1913], which is one of the most important authorities on the issues relating to public hearings, Lord Atkinson stated:

“The hearing of a case in public may be, and often is, no doubt, painful, humiliating, or deterrent both to parties and witnesses… but all this is tolerated and endured, because it is felt that in public trial is to be found, on the whole, the best security for the pure, impartial and efficient administration of justice, the best means of winning for it public confidence and respect.”