In Camera Law and Legal Definition
In camera is a Latin term meaning "in chambers". This refers to a hearing or discussions with the judge in the privacy of his chambers (office rooms) or when spectators and jurors have been excluded from the courtroom. An in camera examination may be made of confidential or sensitive information to determine whether to introduce it to the jury and make it part of public record.
An in camera hearing can be either on or off the record, though they're usually recorded. In camera hearings are often held to shield a jury from bias caused by controversial matters, or to protect the privacy of the people involved, and are common in cases of guardianships, adoptions and custody disputes alleging child abuse.
