In camera (pronounced [ɪn ˈkæmə.ɹə]) is the Latin for “in a chamber”, meaning in private, that is, a hearing is held in a judge’s private chamber, or in a chamber of a court not open to the public. The term comes from the Latin phrase in camera secreta, “in a secret room.” Private hearings are the rule rather than the exception in some courts, and reporters often have no right of access to them, although the media may apply for disclosure of the information presented. In camera hearings is a reference to a stage in the adjudication of a dispute which may occur before or after a trial has been held in public, but never to the public. Using in camera adjudications is common where privacy concerns outweigh the interest of the public in obtaining access to court proceedings.
This article goes on to describe the similarity between Wing Tsun martial arts training and legal process in that both involve the learning of the same skill practice of focusing on a task or an issue and not being distracted by other things going on around you.
When you do a practice it is important to focus on just that practice. If you were learning Wing Chun martial arts then focus on that and what you are being taught so you can fully enjoy the benefits of lifting your body energy and your mind and being in a natural state of calm at the end of the practice. If you are in a legal dispute focus solely on that and nothing else around you that may be going on. That gives you the freedom to not be distracted or protective of your personal dignity. It does not mean that technology cannot be used if it is deemed needed.
Why do we have in camera hearings? The decision is a discretionary one on the part of the judge, who may in some cases have no opportunity to make a discretion on the issue. There are many reasons for privacy protections in court proceedings. It can be a matter of protecting the privacy of personal family Law information, medical records, information on informants, matters involving intelligence and matters where publicity could prejudice a fair trial.
The Wingsun martial art involves not just learning the signature skills of that particular form of martial art but a stillness and quiet state through the attunement of the body with the environment. As part of the participant’s progressing to becoming proficient, there are designated times when you make the ‘decisions’ which are actually skillful reactions without predeliction to other alternatives so choices are safeguarded and the mind is not distracted. You use the totality of your body including mind and spirit to be able to be proficient. In law, it is also wise to make ‘decisions’ deciding on issues based upon all information available to you and choose a path of least resistance if you wish to keep on moving forward and continuing a training for excellence.
This is a high standard of performance for quite a few people to reach, but with practice and Dedication, you can become a very good martial artist and well at handling and managing your legal processes.