State v. Slota

ZINTER, Justice.

[¶ 1.] Fredrick Slota was tried on charges of first-degree rape and sexual contact involving a child. The trial judge, on his own initiative, and without a pre-closure hearing, closed the courtroom during the victim’s testimony. Slota was convicted, and after trial the State moved to supplement the record with the reasons for the closure. The circuit court held a hearing and entered findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting closure. Slota appeals, arguing that his Sixth Amendment right to a public trial was violated; that the only appropriate, remedy is a new trial;…