Legal Definitions - open session

An open session is a meeting or series of meetings where a court, legislature, or other deliberative assembly conducts business and allows parties not directly involved to attend. This is also known as a public session.

• A city council meeting where members of the public are allowed to attend and speak during public comment is an open session.
• A court hearing where the public is allowed to attend and observe the proceedings is an open session.

These examples illustrate that an open session is a meeting where the public is allowed to attend and observe the proceedings. This promotes transparency and accountability in government and legal proceedings.