Explain the legal foundations for a public right of access to criminal proceedings.

What will be an ideal response?

Answers should include the following points: (1) The right is found in common law because criminal trials have been open to the public throughout history. (2) The Supreme Court said many judicial proceedings are open because both logic and experience dictate openness. Openness increases the likelihood that proceedings will be fair, that witnesses will be honest, that evidence will be brought forward, and that just results will be achieved. (3) Some justices have said the Sixth Amendment right to a public trial does not belong exclusively to the defendant but rather is shared by the public. (4) The First Amendment right to assemble publicly and to petition government for redress of grievances prohibits closure of presumptively open courtrooms without a full exploration of alternatives.