State v. Frawley

¶1

Sweeney, C. J.

Our Supreme Court has made it clear that the trial of a criminal defendant may not be closed to the public absent a rigorous evaluation and balancing of a number of factors. State v. Bone-Club, 128 Wn.2d 254, 258-59, 906 P.2d 325 (1995). Here, the trial judge excluded the public by conducting a portion of the jury voir dire in chambers without waivers from either the defendant or anyone present in the courtroom. We accordingly reverse and remand for a new trial.

*716FACTS

¶2 Margaret Cordova disappeared during the early morning hours of January 17, 2004, in Spokane, Washington.…