Are hearings of the Discipline Committee and Appeal Board typically open to the public?

The hearings of the Discipline Committee and Appeal Board are generally subject to the discretion of the committee regarding whether they are open to the public. This means that while the standard may be to keep such hearings closed for reasons such as confidentiality or protecting sensitive information, the committee does have the ability to make exceptions. If the committee believes that opening the hearings to the public would be beneficial or appropriate, they have the authority to do so.

This flexibility recognizes the varying contexts and circumstances surrounding different cases. It also reflects a balance between the need for transparency in certain situations and the need to protect the privacy and rights of individuals involved in the disciplinary process.