Which term describes a proceeding not held in the courtroom but in the judge's chamber?

Which term describes a proceeding not held in the courtroom but in the judge's chamber?

• A. Indictment
• B. Information
• C. Inquest
• D. In camera

Answer: (D)

In camera describes a private proceeding conducted away from the public courtroom, typically in the judge’s chambers, to protect confidential or sensitive information. This term fits the scenario because it refers to proceedings not open to the public, held in private rather than in the courtroom. Indictment and Information are both formal charging documents—one issued by a grand jury and the other filed by a prosecutor—so they are about initiating a case, not about where the proceeding occurs. An inquest is a judicial inquiry, often into a death, and is usually conducted in court or under formal procedures, not in private in the judge’s chamber.

In camera describes a private proceeding conducted away from the public courtroom, typically in the judge’s chambers, to protect confidential or sensitive information. This term fits the scenario because it refers to proceedings not open to the public, held in private rather than in the courtroom.

Indictment and Information are both formal charging documents—one issued by a grand jury and the other filed by a prosecutor—so they are about initiating a case, not about where the proceeding occurs. An inquest is a judicial inquiry, often into a death, and is usually conducted in court or under formal procedures, not in private in the judge’s chamber.