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Simple English definitions for legal terms
in chambers
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A quick definition of in chambers:
Term: In Chambers
Definition: In chambers means that a judge is having a private meeting or hearing in their office. This happens when they need to talk about something without the public being there. Sometimes, a judge will write a special opinion in their office to decide on a request from someone involved in a case, like asking to stop a decision from being made. This is called an in-chambers opinion.
A more thorough explanation:
in chambers
In chambers refers to discussions or hearings that are held within the judge's office (their “chambers”), in the absence of the public. This means that only the judge, their staff, and the parties involved in the case are present.
For example, if a party requests a temporary injunction, the judge may hold an in-chambers hearing to decide whether to grant the request. The judge will hear arguments from both sides and make a decision based on the evidence presented.
Another example is an in-chambers opinion, which is written by a single Justice to dispose of an application by a party for interim relief. This could include a request for a stay of the judgment of the court below or for vacation of a stay.
These examples illustrate how in chambers refers to private discussions or hearings that take place outside of the public eye. This allows the judge to make decisions based on the evidence presented without outside influence or pressure.