People v. Clemons

Callahan, J. (dissenting).

I cannot agree with the majority view that the trial court failed to conduct a proper inquiry and failed to articulate a reason for its decision to close the courtroom to the public in this rape trial. The record reveals that prior to the complainant testifying the following colloquy took place:

"the court: Ms. Dougherty, it’s my understanding you’re going to make application to close the Court Room to the public during the testimony of the victim in this case, is that correct, ma’am?

"ms. Dougherty: Yes, Your Honor.

"the court: And that’s as a result of her request to…